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Life Thoughts in Rhyme 



VOLUME OF VERSE 

No. 2 



BY 

AUGUSTUS TREADWELL 

'I 



Brooklyn, N. Y. 
Published by the Author 



11° ' 



Copyright 1909, 

BY 

AUGUSTUS TREADWELL 



' ^! A '> ci G 1 2 3 
SEP' 2' 7909 



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«*) 

f INDEX 

.^ PAGE 

A Birthday 57 

Abraham Lincoln 132 

Ada 57 

Ada — Arte 53 

Affliction 31 

A Lesson 97 

Always Smiling 85 

A Memory 50 

Anticipatory 77 

An Unpaid Note 39 

Aphorisms 65 

A Private Citizen 63 

A Ride 54 

Assets 18 

A Woman's Tongue 26 

Be a Man 114 

Be Content 143 

Betty 37 

Billy B 115 

Billy Jones 51 

Birds 58 

Bobbie 88 

Bobbie and Clinton 89 

Change 131 

Cheer Up 89 

Chinee 92 

Chronological 107 

Clouds 33 

Columbia 149 

Confidence 83 

Courage 141 

Cranks 50 



4 INDEX 

PAGE 

Deacon Smith 34 

Dead Broke 16 

Death 130 

Decoration Day, No. 1 33 

Decoration Day, No. 2 34 

Don't 105 

Don't Borrow, Don't Lend 139 

Don't Brag 34 

Don't Worry 96 

Do You Know Him ? 118 

Drifted Apart •. 136 

Drink 138 

Early Spring 73 

Egypt 33 

Envy 146 

Fact 51 

Flora 104 

For an Album 45 

For an Album 106 

Forget 66 

For My Cousin Libbie's Album 147 

Forward 19 

Freedom of the Press 38 

Gladys 131 

Gladys McKirnan 103 

Grit 33 

Helps 146 

Here's a Health 145 

His Auto 140 

Honesty 143 

Honor 143 

Hot 39 

Hustle 131 

Ingratitude 113 

Inspiration Versus Wine 71 

Jealousy 26 

Keep Cheerful 41 



INDEX 5 

PAGE 

Keep Trying 16 

Kentucky 120 

Led— Lead 47 

Life's Prime 20 

Lines Suggested by the Death of Old Friends 62 

Luck and Favor 17 

Marvelous 117 

Mind 15 

Mistake 140 

Mother 87 

Music 74 

My Birthday 75 

My Mother 86 

Never Lie 45 

New Year, No. 1 69 

New Year, No. 2 70 

Night 148 

Obsequious 142 

Oddity in Names 36 

Olden Memories 60 

Old— Young 98 

Only a Drop 52 

Optimistic Ill 

Others ■ 55 

Our Club of Six Jolly Fellows 100 

Ourselves Versus Others 96 

Peace 14 

Perseverance 38 

Pluck— Luck 38 

Press On 125 

Pride 103 

Progress 84 

Query 14 

Question 25 

Retrospective 78 

Re-Union of the Club 42 

Right Versus Fight Idea 129 



6 INDEX 

PAGE 

Rum 124 

Ruth 56 

Seth William Fox 127 

Silence 68 

Sixty-six 76 

Sleep 110 

Spring 59 

Steam 40 

Stewart L. Woodford 93 

Still Young 90 

Summer ' 43 

Sympathy 137 

Tears 48 

Teddy's Trip 64 

Temper 91 

Temptation 101 

The Boss 112 

The Microscope 99 

The Miser 27 

The New Era 43 

Theodore Roosevelt 61 

The Old Home 13 

The Quiet Life 44 

The Reckoning 21 

The Suffragette 81 

The Tempter 19 

The Voice of Freedom 25 

Thought 46 

Time 29 

To Ada 79 

Toil 49 

To Louise 101 

To Miss Bessie Porter 144 

To Mr. Seeley 119 

To The Grumblers 55 

To Tessie 82 

True 23 



INDEX 7 

PAGE 

Two Sons 67 

Wait 72 

Waiting 116 

War 30 

Wine 35 

Woman 138 

Religious Rhymes 

Christmas 157 

God 153 

Methodist Hymns 161 

The Beautiful Rest of God 159 

The Haven of Rest 155 

The Pillar of Cloud and Fire 156 

Uncle Reuben's Bible 154 

Insurance Rhymes 

Banquet Rhyme 171 

C. J. E 172 

Delivered at a Dinner of the Brooklyn Agency, 

April 14, 1906 175 

Delivered at an Agency Dinner, May 28, 1907 179 

Delivered at an Agency Banquet, Sept., 1907 180 

Fellowship 184 

Greeting 182 

Insurance 167 

November 1st, 1906 176 

Read at an Agency Meeting 174 

Read at an Agency Meeting, April, 1909 177 

Read at a Meeting of the C. J. Edwards' Combined 

Agencies, May 10th, 1909 173 

"Reckon We'll Git Thar Yet" 169 

Thoughts 181 

Worker— Shirker 170 



Dedicated to my living children and grandchildren, 
and to the memory of the dear ones who have passed 
to the better land. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



THE OLD HOME 

WE thought when the children got married and left, 
And started new homes of their own, 
The days and the weeks would of joy be bereft. 

With Mother and Me all alone. 
But somehow the sunshine still streams through each room, 

The sun of our joy has not set; 
Though music of voices has fled, there's no gloom. 
And there's life in the old home yet. 

For oft they return with a cheery, sweet song, 

Like birds that come back to their nest ; 
Though married, we feel they to us yet belong, 

They bring us sweet comfort and rest; 
They tell us, though joys to their new homes have come, 

Their old home they'll never forget, 
So wherever o'er earth in the future they roam. 

There'll be life in the old home yet. 

The piano that stood in the parlor we thought 

Quite useless when they went away. 
A new idea struck us, when one day we bought 

A "player," and now zve can play, 
The old songs now ring through each room and each hall. 

And from them much pleasure we get, 
For faces and voices and forms they recall. 

And there's life in the old home yet. 

Thanksgiving and Christmas together we meet. 

The house resounds loud with their glee ; 
Our table is spread with the best things to eat. 

While all smile upon Mother and Me. 
The grandchildren, "Bobbie" and "Clinton," just scream 

With delight, till our old eyes grow wet, 
And at night we again of the olden days dream. 

And there's life in the old home yet. 



14 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



QUERY 



IS the world any better because we were born, 
Will anyone miss us when dead? 
Have we softened some hatreds and tempered some scorn, 
To wearied souls, sunny words said? 

Have we gained hosts of friends by the good we have done, 
And brightened life's journey with cheer? 

Have we pierced some dark clouds with humanity's sun, 
From troubled hearts driven out fear? 

If we have, then most surely we've not lived in vain, 

Though years have been many or few ; 
And the greatest of joy to ourselves 'tis most plain. 

Must come from the good that we do. 



PEACE 



HOW sweet is the sense of contentment, 
While emerging from trials severe. 
When the billows of bitter resentment 
Have passed and relieved you of fear. 
Then the heart is made light. 
And the future seems bright 
While the present is filled with good cheer. 

Like perfume from blossom of flowers. 
When the days of chill winter have sped 
Like the singing of birds from the bowers, 
When the sunshine is bright overhead. 
When the past is forgot, 
And there's not a dark spot. 
And the fear of all trouble has fled. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 15 



MIND 

THERE'S a limit to each day, 
There's a limit to each night, 
And a limit to the ocean wide we find. 
There's a limit to man's sway 
Though he rules with kingly might. 
But all limitless and vast the human Mind. 

There's a limit to our grief, 

There's a limit to our pain. 

There's a limit to our daily toil and grind. 

There's a limit to relief, 

To each struggle and each strain. 

But no limit to the mighty sway of Mind. 

There's a limit to man's power 

To oppress his fellow man, 

And to human life a limit well defined. 

To all obstacles that tower 

Since the tide of years began ; 

But no limit to created God-like Mind. 

Past the boundaries of Time, 

And the confines of the earth, 

Leaving all of past and present far behind ; 

In a future vast sublime. 

It will spring anew to birth. 

And Eternity will be the realm of Mind. 



16 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



KEEP TRYING 

KEEP trying, there's merit in effort, 
Though often you fail of the mark. 
For the next best thing to succeeding 

Is feeHng you've acted your part. 
That you strove with earnest endeavor, 

Though the odds against you were great, 
Take credit for trying to conquer, 

Although you've been conquered by Fate. 

The fellow who falls by the wayside. 

Without renewed effort to rise. 
And loses his pluck and his courage, 

The whole world will quickly despise. 
There's comfort and glory and pleasure, 

Though wounded to not feel you're slain ; 
But cherish a mighty ambition 

To rise and go at it again. 



DEAD BROKE 

WHAT most stimulates activity 
In many men we meet, 
Especially the lounging class 

Who "loaf" about the street, 
Is when they find their money gone. 

And hunger is no joke. 
They hustle for some paying job, 
Because they are "dead broke." 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 17 

LUCK AND FAVOR 

DON'T depend on luck and favor, 
They may come, or they may not ; 
But rely alone on courage 

And the strength of will you've got. 
For Despondency, try Humor, 

And for Discontent, try Hope, 
Then you'll realize you're able 
With all obstacles to cope. 

Opportunity may fail you. 

But resourcefulness is great; 
Let each failure only nerve you 

For a stronger fight with Fate. 
Time's a jewel, do not waste it. 

In Life's drama, work and act, 
Let its days be filled with effort. 

Use diplomacy and tact. 

Be deliberate and cautious. 

Yet sincere in all you do; 
Never let defeat dishearten. 

To your own best self be true. 
With available resources 

Do the very best you can. 
Moid and model the conditions, 

And evolve some better plan. 

Don't fret over disadvantage. 

Worry never won success; 
Be a man who's manly minded, 

Rise above all littleness. 
Do not be an idle dreamer 

'Midst Life's hard realities. 
Brush away the chaflF and stubble. 

Though you sacrifice some ease. 



18 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

In the struggle of the ages, 

Those who've led the great advance 
Were the men of nerve and daring, 

Looking not for luck or chance ; 
But who blazed a path to walk in 

Through the wilderness of doubt, 
And by well directed effort 

Conquered odds as each won out. 



ASSETS 

IF 'mong your assets you can claim 
The following as yours, 
You'll win a high and honored name 

And all that wealth secures. 
"Skill," "Courage," "Tact," "Intelligence," 

"Patience," and "Common-sense," 
With "Integrity" and "System," 

And likewise "Common-sense." 
"Good-temper," "Generosity." 

And "Perseverance," too, 
"Determination," "Industry," 

"Experience," you'll pull through. 
They all are needed if you'd win. 

With them you must succeed. 
So if you've failed, again begin, 

For these are what you need. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 19 

FORWARD 

IT makes but little difference 
What in the past you've been; 
It's what you are to-day that counts 

Among your fellow men. 
You may have been a wonder 

In the years that now have flown; 
But if you fall behind, you'll die 
Unwritten and alone. 

For mankind is moving onward, 

Each day shows some advance; 
Success is crowning energy 

And nothing's left to chance. 
Though great things were accomplished 

In the good old days gone by, 
Yet grander times are coming 

As the old times fade and die. 



THE TEMPTER 

THE Tempter at times strews a pathway with flowers, 
With wine and with beauty beguiles the swift hours, 
Rains showers of Gold to lead virtue astray, 
With revelry wild, turns the night into day. 

Fair conscience grows weak, should the golden God tempt, 

From temptation of lust too few are exempt. 

Inherited wealth oft' to listlessness leads. 

And crime is the food on which idleness feeds. 

Those constantly busy with hands or with brain, 
Whose living depends on what each day they gain, 
Are less often tempted their souls to disgrace. 
Or yield to the lusts that dishonor our race. 



20 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

LIFE'S PRIME 

SOME men were fools from their childhood up, 
But the silliest fool e'er known 
Is he who, when he is growing old, 

Thinks the chances of life have flown. 
For facts as written on history's page 

Prove the very reverse as true, 
And the triumphs won by men of years 
Were greater as older they ^rew. 

Forty to seventy's the prime of life 

In which golden harvests to reap. 
For judgment comes with a mind matured 

And all thought is profound and deep. 
The follies of youth and early life 

Have lost all their glitter and show. 
The dust and chaff are all blown away 

In maturity's afterglow. 

The men who're the pride of earth to-day, 

And who all its destines sway, 
Are the men whose minds are firm and strong, 

Though their hair may be silver gray. 
As Judges they sit in justice court, 

While in commerce they're ruling kings, 
They hold the helm of affairs of state. 

They are monarchs of earthly things. 

So do not think that your days are spent 

And the tale of your life is told. 
Just merely because the rolling years 

As they're added up say you're old. 
With vigor and health and strength of mind, 

Despair should be backward hurled, 
For years don't count, it is brains and grit, 

And your Push that will win the world. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 21 

THE RECKONING 

WHEN the "day of the final reckoning" comes 
How will your record appear ? 
Has life been a sad hypocritical sham 
Or motive been honest and clear? 
Have you lived to deceive all the friends that you know, 

Or have you been truthful at heart, 
To do justice to others has motive been slow 
Or yours been the honest man's part. 

There'll be many a sad disappointment, I ween, 

When the "Angel of Record" shall show 
That names which were honored on earth are all blurred 

By thoughts and by actions most low. 
There's many a man who appears as a saint 

In outward appearance and walk, 
Whom "Truth" would the blackest of hypocrites paint. 

Though oily and smooth in his talk. 

We try to have faith in each other, but then 

How oft we are sadly deceived 
When we find those we thought the best among men 

Could not, after all, be believed. 
So as we grow older, more careful we get 

In searching true merit to find ; 
But after all's said we think there is yet 

More virtue than vice 'mong mankind. 

We may deceive others, ourselves, many deceive 

Along the whole journey of years ; 
We may seem contented in thinking we're right, 

Thus smother and drown all our fears. 
But the light from the Throne of "The King of all kings" 

Will banish all darkness and doubt, 
While in letters which no one can misunderstand 

Our acts will be all written out. 



22 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

EGYPT 

LAND of sand and ruins, 
Land of glinting gold, 
Land of charmed serpent, 
Land of columns old, 
Land of massive Pyramids, 
Land of wondrous Sphynx, 
Land of charming afterglow 
Whence fond memory drinks. 

Land of Bible history. 
Of buried cities' sites. 
Land where toiled in slavery 
The ancient Israelites. 
Land rich in tradition, 
Moses and Pharaoh, 
Land of mighty miracles 
In the distant long ago. 

Land of mighty warriors. 
Of conquest and defeat. 
Land of brazen idols 
With only clay for feet. 
Land that charmed the ages 
In dim and dusty past, 
Land with records graven 
On history's page to last. 

Land of Cleopatra, 
"Goddess of the Nile," 
Land of virtues many. 
Land of crimes most vile. 
Land though long forgotten. 
Once again shall rise — 
Eg)'pt's ancient splendor 
Will flash athwart the skies. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 33 

GRIT 

HE met with reverses through no fault of his, 
But he never for once lost his pluck; 
And all but a few of his warm chosen friends 

Seemed rejoiced he was down on his luck. 
He kept up a-thinking and never lost faith 

Or an ounce of the "grit" that he had, 
He felt that the tide, though against him, would turn, 
And not always things go to the "bad." 

So he plodded along, he schemed and he planned, 

And he never lost sight of the fact 
That all he accomplished while striving to win 

Must be won by his personal act. 
He relied not on others, but ploughed his own way. 

While the ploughshare of work he drove deep, 
He stuck to his purpose, by night and by day, 

For he knew he must sow if he'd reap. 

'Twas not very long ere the tide took a turn, 

And most swiftly it bore him along. 
Instead of reverses he met with success 

While his life was a pleasure and song. 
He rewarded the faith of friends who'd proved true. 

But despised all his envious ken. 
While thousands applauded him now he had won. 

For the world seeks the smile of such men. 



TRUE 



T 



IS a recognized fact o'er this little round earth 
That the man who gets nothing, gets all he is worth. 



24 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

DON'T BRAG 

DON'T think you know it all. 
You may be wise and quick. 

For there are among your fellow men 
Some who are just as slick. 
Often you'll run across 
A man who's sharp and cool, 

Who'll show up your ignorance and then 
Will write you down a fool. 

Don't brag of what you know, 
Or views of others spurn. 

However gifted or wise you are, 
There's something still to learn. 
Ideas are being born 
With each day's rising sun, 

The man who learns as he goes along, 
Becomes the wisest one. 



DEACON SMITH 

THERE'S a lot of "pith" 
In the brain of "Smith ;" 
In no sense can he be called a "myth." 
He is large of body, 

And big of soul. 
Never drinks "toddy," 

Or gets in a "hole." 
If more men were like him. 

The world would be better; 
His many kind deeds 

Make his neighbors, his debtor. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 25 

QUESTION 

DID you ever dream you had passed away, 
And the "Devil" had got his due. 
And when you awoke you had somehow felt 

That if you had died 'twould be true? 
In other words, are you living a life 
You know is a sham and a lie, 
Would you dare this moment to face your God, 
Or are you unfitted to die. 

Has your life been squared by the "Golden Rule," 

Or have you been rotten in heart. 
By devious ways tried others to fool 

Or have acted the manly part? 
'Tis useless to try to deceive ourselves. 

And seem other than what we are, 
For the bitter unravelling time will come 

When we stand at the "Judgment Bar." 



THE VOICE OF FREEDOM 

IT has thundered down the ages 
Through the corridors of Time; 
And it's echo's roused the Nations 

Throughout every land and clime. 
It has shaken thrones of despots. 

It has crushed oppression's reign, 
It is blazoned on the banners 

Of the conquered and the slain. 



A voice that cannot stiffled be 
Till every son of man is free. 



26 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

JEALOUSY 

THINGS seem to go crosswise sometimes, 
Though we strive our best to do right. 
The world misjudges us often, 

And we're placed in an unjust light. 
Sometimes it is caused by hatred 

And because we have fought and won ; 
While others have failed in efifort. 

As they find all their work undone. 

Some are at everything — failures. 

And bristle with anger and hate; 
Though to the top you have risen 

By actions and dealings most straight. 
Jealousy poisons their feelings, 

Because they, like you, don't succeed. 
Instead of accepting conditions, 

On hatred and rancor they feed. 

But everything finds its level. 

And justice in time comes to all, 
Emnity's shafts will fall harmless 

Save when on your foes they may fall. 
Jealousy's born of the "Devil," 

Will eat like a "canker" and kill. 
"Hew to the line" in your efifort, 

And conquer by force of your will. 



A WOMAN'S TONGUE 

A RUNAWAY horse is easily caught, 
A murderer, captured and hung; 
But the hardest thing in this world to stop, 
Is a woman's runaway tongue. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 37 

THE MISER 

HE was not an original thinker himself, 
But he lived upon other men's brains, 
And what he had gathered of lucre and pelf 

He'd absorbed from some other men's gains. 
All those whom he hired he considered his slaves. 

And his heart was as hard as a stone ; 
For by thinking all men were fools or else knaves. 
His whole nature most sordid had grown. 

He was not an original thinker at all, 

But whatever his business or plan, 
By the help of his wealth to his aid he would call 

The inventions of some other man. 
And somehow or other, by luck or by chance, 

And by use of some other man's skill, 
His own private fortune he'd always enhance, 

And his coffers with lucre he'd fill. 

To accumulate wealth was his only desire, 

For his fellows he cared not a "fig." 
His avarice burned with unquenchable fire, 

And he had no more heart than a "pig." 
He died, and the wealth he so sordidly gained 

Went by will to some dissolute heirs ; 
In a few years the fortime had melted and waned 

Like a field gone to weeds and to tares. 

Oh, what is life worth if we've only in view 

The possession of dollars and bonds, 
Regardless of how all our wealth may accrue, 

While naught else to our feeling responds. 
Oh, 'tis better by far to grow wealthy in heart 

And disseminate kindness and cheer; 
While in all the great world we act manly our part. 

Thus the noblest of monuments rear. 



28 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS 

SOME fail, we think, to understand 
In their own mind's Httleness 
What's truly meant in Freedom's land 
By the Freedom of the Press. 

By Freedom of the Press is meant 
Whatever is right and just, 

Nothing conveying wrong intent, 
Or a pandering to lust. 

We're free to print whate'er is true. 
But we're not to use the pen 

To write up falsehood old or new, 
To the injury of men. 

Untruths we're not to circulate, 
Or maliciously defame ; 

Seditious views we're not to state, 
Or besmirch an honest name. 

Lines based on vile impurity. 
Or slanderous in their word. 

In papers should not printed be. 
Or whatever is absurd. 

Not to incite the ignorant, 

By printing distorted facts, 

Or falsely lure by use of "Cant," 
To the most unlawful acts. 

Freedom howe'er to criticize 
By the free use of the pen 

Whate'er is wrong to human eyes. 
In government or men. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 29 



TIME 

TIME strengthens friendship, weakens love, but is the test 
of truth. 
There's no arresting its vast wheel, as age succeedeth youth. 
It is the cradle and the grave of all humanity, 
A river ever flowing on to vast eternity. 
'Tis sometimes called a shoreless flood whose wavelets are the 

years. 
Bearing upon its bosom all of human joys and tears. 
Through the pathway of the ages it walks with silent tread, 
Oblivious to all alike, the living or the dead. 

An avenger of all wrong and a healer of all grief, 

'Twill give to weary waiting souls the sweet sense of relief. 

It beautifies the memory of loved ones passed away 

And gilds with hope the coming dawn of some bright future day. 

'Tis rich with spoils of conquests past, naught 'gainst the tooth 

of time. 
But what shall yield obedience in every age and clime. 
It writes the wrinkles on our brows, silvers our hair with age. 
Fires youth with high ambition, while it satisfies old age. 

It "flies on restless pinion," and it runs a ceaseless course. 
Regardless whether in its wake shall come joy or remorse. 
Through changing seasons, days and years, relentlessly it rides. 
Unfolding to the world at large, "what plighted cunning hides." 
Oh, touch us gently, Time, we cry as years go floating by, 
We do not wish that memory should e'er recall a sigh ; 
But, best of all, give fortitude to take what God may send, 
So that when life with us is o'er, we'll have a peaceful end. 



30 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

WAR 

COLUMNS of men with martial tread. 
Rank upon rank by officers led; 
Music that thrills the soul with fire, 
And fills the heart with a fond desire. 
Flags unfurled as they march along, 
An army a hundred thousand strong. 

Stalwart men in the prime of life, 
Leaving behind them mother and wife; 

Knapsacks strapped to each shoulder tight 
And bayonets gleaming in the light; 
Over an arm a musket rests. 
And loyal hearts are within their breasts. 

Children shouted and men hurrahed, 
Everyone joined in a glad applaud, 

Trumpet and bugle and drum and fife. 

All seemed as born with animate life. 
Such the scenes on that bright June day, 
When the hundred thousand marched away. 

Bells are ringing and banners fly, 

As back from 'neath the Southern sky, 

People welcome the advance guard. 

All dusty and bronzed and battle scarred. 
First of the men who marched away, 
A hundred thousand that bright June day. 

They tell of suffering all passed through. 
The burning sun and the damp chill dew. 
Their couch at night, the cold, bare sod 
'Neath canopied sky and eye of God. 
Of clash of arms, of battle's roar. 
And of rivers running red with gore. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 31 

Of sound of rifled cannon's shell, 

Repeating again that "war is hell." 

How shot came through the air like rain, 
How the wounded, dying, writhed in pain. 

And softly tell with bated breath 

How ranks were thinned by disease and death. 

Of the hundred thousand that went forth. 
But half returned to the mourning North. 



AFFLICTION 

WHEN down in the vale of affliction 
The future looks dismal and blue, 
For how you'll come out is a question of doubt 

You'd give all your worth if you knew. 
'Tis hard to feel hopeful or cheerful 

When racked by both fever and pain, 
You worry and "stew," wonder if you'll pull through 
And be your old self once again. 

Oh, if when down deep in the valley 

The mists could be wafted aside. 
And with brightening eye we could see the blue sky. 

In comfort and hope we'd abide. 
We could if we'd summon up courage 

And drive out despair with our will, 
For when this is done, half the battle we've won. 

And hope would glad comfort instill. 



32 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

DECORATION DAY No. i 

May 30th, 1909 

THEY met the hail of fire and lead, 
And poured back shot for shot, 
'Til thousands on the field lay dead 

As war raged fierce and hot. 
The bayonets stubborn charge they met, 

And looked Death in the face, 
'Til fields with dripping blood were wet, 
But yielded not their place. 

No simple, childish work was theirs, 

But stern reality, 
The kind of work that does and dares. 

With grim fatality. 
It summoned all their manly strength 

Of heart and brawn and brain, 
As conflict raged o'er miles in length. 

And wounded scoflfed at pain. 

The most stupendous conflict theirs. 

In all the tide of Time, 
In history nothing else compares. 

Or victory more sublime. 
This great Republic's life was saved. 

Through sacrifice they made. 
While freedom for a race enslaved. 

To their success is laid. 

Strew flowers where'er a mound is found, 

That covers hero's clay, 
For where they lie is hallowed ground, 

And this a sacred day. 
They bore the brunt of battles rage. 

When fierce the conflict grew. 
Their names are writ on history's page 

As loyal men and true. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 33 

Unfold the Starry Flag they loved, 

And wave it o'er each grave; 
By giving up their lives, they proved 

Most valorous and brave. 
Let bugle blast recall the days. 

And muffled drums repeat 
The story of the Blue and Gray's, 

The tramp of hurrying feet. 

A solemn dirge, ye cannon roar, 

While every voice is stilled, 
As loving hearts for evermore 

With gratitude are filled. 
The serried ranks are broken now, 

That once marched nobly forth ; 
But memory's laurel crowns each brow. 

Ye Heroes of the North. 



CLOUDS 

WHITE winged clouds of the morning, 
Scarlet tipped clouds of the West, 
Purple clouds of the sunset 

Bordered with golden crest, 
Clouds of the storm and tempest 

Of the summer shower and rain, 
Clouds that shadow the wheat fields 
In billowy bays of grain. 



34 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

DECORATION DAY No. 2 

May 30th, 1909 

GATHER the lilies and roses, 
Strew them above each grave ; 
For underneath there reposes 

Forms of the true and brave. 
They listened to call of duty, 

Followed the bugle's sound; 
Now flowers shall bloom in beauty 
Over each hallowed mound. 

Though much they had to discourage, 

Hardships unknown they bore ; 
They never faltered in courage, 

Though fields were drenched in gore. 
They heard the crack of the rifle. 

Bullets whizzing through air ; 
But nothing their faith could stifle, 

Ready to do and dare. 

Their sabres flashed in the sunlight, 

Bayonets ploughed their way. 
Courage through the terrible fight 

Sustained them night and day. 
Cannon belched and thundered 

Through night hours, dark and weird, 
While the Nation trembled, wondered, 

Ere final triumph neared. 

And many a prayer ascended 

To the throne of Freedom's God, 
That the war might soon be ended 

And passed the chast'ning rod. 
And many a tender letter 

From patient hearts and true, 
And eyes with tears grown wetter, 

Cheered up the "Boys in Blue." 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

But the bitter days are ended, 

The Nation born anew; 
The Blue and the Gray are blended, 

Both to the Union true. 
So gather lilies and roses, 

Strew them above each grave. 
For underneath there reposes 

Forms of the true and brave. 



35 



WINE 



T T maketh weariness forget its toil, 
1 'Twill make your courage rise, your blood to boil ; 
'Twill make a man forget the woe he feels. 
Though from the brain his reason bright it steals. 

'Tis said few things surpass "old wine," 'tis so. 
Wine, mirth and laughter cause the heart to glow. 
It maketh troubled souls forget their care, 
But nerves the murderer to do and dare. 

All fear forgets its danger, and new hope 
Inspires with every obstacle to cope ; 
And sudden friendships often spring from wine, 
As sinuous and crooked as the vine. 

But it will prove a mocker in the end, 
'Twill prove an enemy, and not a friend; 
A "devil" lurks within each ruby grape. 
From "alcohol" your brain cannot escape. 

'Twill blast the brightest mind and ruin life, 
Make orphans of your children, crush your wife. 
Oh, drop it as you would a hissitig snake. 
And make resolves that God would have you make. 



36 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

ODDITY IN NAMES 

YOUNG Timothy Short, measured six feet two, 
Mr. Longfellow, four feet ten. 
A man named Stout was thin as a rail, 

While McLean was fattest of men. 
My neighbor Strong, was both sickly and weak, 

Mr. Poor was a millionaire. 
Mr. Rich could hardly make both ends meet. 
Friend Comfort was loaded with care. 

Miss Fair had a face as ugly as sin. 

Miss Low was both comely and tall ; 
Miss Little, oh, my, could hardly sit down 

In a fairly sized chair at all. 
Young Swift was slow as a broken down horse, 

Miss Patience was oft in a fret ; 
Miss Gay, as sober as any old owl. 

And Gamble, too pious to bet. 

The old colored preacher, Erastus White, 

Was black as an ebony shine. 
While Reverend Theophilus Black, D. D., 

Was an eminent white divine. 
Mr. Love was cross to his handsome wife. 

Mr. Prince, a janitor's son; 
Mr. Judge could not tell cheese from chalk, 

Mr. Wise was a foolish one. 

And so 'tis amusing to see how odd 

And ill-fitting some names appear; 
But why it is so and how it is thus 

'Twould be hard to explain, I fear. 
But, after all, it's the person, not name, 

That we judge all character by, 
And the world's respect will depend alone 

On the motives which underlie. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 37 

BETTY 

BETTY'S cheeks were soft as velvet, 
Betty's heart was Hke a stone, 
Betty's voice was soft and tender. 

Save when she had angry grown ; 
Betty's eyes at times shone lovely, 

When she had her own desire, 
But when crossed in any purpose, 

Betty's eyes they just flashed fire. 

Betty's smile was bright as sunlight. 

If you praised her to her face ; 
But if chiding words were uttered, 

Then a dark scowl took its place. 
Betty's friends at first were many, 

Betty's foes at last were more; 
Friends she gained by first impression, 

Then she lost them by the score. 

Betty some would call a beauty. 

Faultless figure, pleasant face. 
And when promenading, walking, 

Betty moved with matchless grace. 
But within her heart, deep hidden. 

Jealousy with envy vied ; 
No one ever came to woo her, 

And she ne'er became a bride. 

There are many thousand Betty's, 

In as many thousand homes, 
To whose hearts the real pleasure 

Of an earnest life ne'er comes. 
But again there're many others 

Whom we all rejoice to know. 
Radiating joy and sunshine, 

As along through life they go. 



38 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



PLUCK— LUCK 



SAID the man who had failed to the man who had won, 
You have always had streaks of Luck. 
Said the man who had won to the man who had failed, 

You're mistaken, my friend, 'twas Pluck. 
Said the man who had failed to the man who had won. 

Your chances created your Pelf. 
Said the man who had won to the man who had failed, 
I created each chance myself. 
And so, 

Wherever we go, 
We find that the men who're succeeding, 
Nine times out of ten 
Are men 
Who, by Pluck, and not Luck, are leading. 



PERSEVERANCE 

LABOR could not weary him nor could drudgery disgust. 
Enemies could not frighten him or shake his simple trust. 
All reverses he confronted with an unflinching face, 
And was inwardly determined to win out in the race. 

He cared not for the world's cold frown, its laugh or haughty 

scorn, 
Whate'er he touched was luminous, self trust was in him born; 
No thought of final failure could with expectation blend, 
He realized that "grip" and "grit" would conquer in the end. 

And win, it did, though many years he struggled long and hard, 
For sunny satisfaction came with we.ilth as his reward ; 
And thus it always is with those who doggedly pursue 
A steady course unswervingly, till triumph looms in view. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 39 

HOT 

OH, for a home in Greenland, 
Away from this fiery town, 
Or anywhere in some distant spot, 
Where no heat comes pouring down; 
Where sidewalks and the pavements 

And the air is not sizz-1-ing hot. 

Some sing in praise of summer, 
Of its balmy air and breeze ; 

I'd rather be in an icy clime, 
At risk of having to freeze. 
The sun's fierce rays are melting, 

And I am having a red hot time. 

Each day is getting hotter, 
'Twill burst the mercury yet; 

I'm tied to this burning town all day, 
While I mad and madder get. 
Envying the other fellow, 

On whom business has loosened its sway. 



AN UNPAID NOTE 

I DREAMT of money crashes, 
I dreamt of busted banks, 
I dreamt that honest people 

Had all turned dishonest cranks. 
I dreamt that disappointment 

Was on human faces "wrote," 
When I heard my old friend "Simpkins' 
Had defaulted on his note. 



40 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



STEAM 

HE had wandered through life with no object in view, 
But just drifted along with the tide; 
And when trouble appeared it just made him feel blue, 

For to fight it he never had tried. 
And he wondered how others succeeded so well. 

All their triumphs to him were a dream ; 
But the people who knew him could readily tell 
That just all that he needed was "Steam." 

He was not at all lacking in natural gifts, 

But he had no ambitions in life, 
Like a rudderless craft that all aimlessl}' drifts 

With a soul quite too lazy for strife. 
He was just like an engine complete in each part, 

With its cylinder, shafting and beam. 
With the power alone lacking to give it a start. 

And like it — what he needed was "Steam." 

There are many just like him, ambitionless men, 

Who care little how things come and go; 
All regardless of what is, will be, or has been. 

And more listless as older they grow. 
'Tis the ambitious men make the world of to-day. 

And its history with progress to teem. 
For they give to their energy limitless sway, 

And are not at all lacking in "Steam." 



/ 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 41 



KEEP CHEERFUL 

THE older we grow, 
The more we should know 
Of how to resist and meet trouble; 
'Twill come with the years, 
But smiling through tears. 

Will melt it away like a bubble. 

If cheerful we keep. 
No matter how deep 

The water, it never will drown us ; 
Should trouble befall. 
We'll rise above all, 

And sweetest content will crown us. 

So never despair. 
No burden of care. 

But what at once will grow lighter, 
If all through the year 
We keep up good cheer, 

The days and months will grow brighter. 

In fact, 'tis a truth. 

Old age seems like youth, 

"Three score and ten" are not weighty 
If hearts are kept light 
By day and by night, 

Forty's no younger than eighty. 



4:2 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

REUNION OF THE CLUB 

SOMEHOW or other the tide of the years 
Is again flowing backward to-night ; 
We see with our eyes, we hear with our ears, 

What brings to each other dehght. 
We're sipping the pleasure of friendship renewed 

That shall ne'er be permitted to wane, 
And memory dances before us bright-hued. 
For "Tolkamp" is with us again. 

The circle of friendship cemented by years 

Is complete in its roundness to-night ; 
The olden time pleasure delights us and cheers, 

While our hearts are made happy and light. 
The old voices mingle in musical sound 

And our heart-strings repeat the refrain. 
That tell of the years by a mystic chord bound, 

For "Tolkamp" is with us again. 

Distance and time should not sever old friends. 

And the heart it should never grow chill. 
While the past and the present in harmony blends. 

And we're boys of the "old time" still. 
So when as to-night we can shake hands once more, 

We'll bind closer the links of the chain 
That bound us so fondly in bright days of yore, 

For "Tolkamp" is with us again. 

There's a little old town they call Ridgewood, N. J., 

Which we think should be torn from the map, 
For then all of the "Tolkamps" would come back to stay. 

And the old times again be on "tap." 
New Jersey don't need them, but old Brooklyn does. 

When they left we had twinges of pain ; 
And I tell you. how each of our hearts would just "buzz" 

If the "Tolkamps" would come back again. 

On the occasion of a re-union of " The Club " during a visit of A. K. Tolkamp* 
Esq., of Ridgewood, N. J. at 488 Third Street, Brooklyn, March 2d, 1909. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 43 

SUMMER 

HAVE you summer in your heart 
As you breathe it in the air? 
Are you acting well your part 

While there's gladness everywhere? 

Are you singing with the birds, 

Yielding sweetness like the rose ; 
And with gentleness of words 

Quite disarming all your foes? 

Has the chill of hate gone by? 

Do the seeds of kindness bloom, 
Like the radiant summer sky? 

Are you scattering all gloom? 

Glad inspiring summer days. 

They should fill the soul with cheer, 

Wooing like the sun's glad rays. 
Bringing joy and gladness near. 

They should brighten up each life, 

As along through life we plod ; 
Be with sweet contentment rife. 

Summer smile's the smile of God. 



THE NEW ERA 

OLD beliefs and creeds are changing 
And man's getting nearer fact, 
Fear or recompense as motives 

Cease to mold each word and act. 
Dogmas that were born of darkness 

Fast are being swept away, 
While the thraldom of the ages 

Yields to common sense to-day. 



44 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

THE QUIET LIFE 

LET me pass through life unenvied, 
J Entirely unknown to fame; 
For peace of heart is the better part, 
Than merely a famous name. 

All those who have won earth's plaudits 
Have struggled a goal to gain; 

They've sacrificed ease, mankind to please. 
For ambition's path's through pain. 

I would have a few friends faithful, 
Who'd ever to me prove true ; 

I would not care with the world to share 
My pleasures many or few. 

I'd rather live in the valley 

Than up on the mountain side; 

Then the envious eye would pass me by, 
In quiet I would abide. 

I wish to perform my duty 

In every possible way; 
But do it so that the world won't know 

That mine was a "gallery" play. 

Some love to live in the limelight, 
The envied of all their race; 

And they always try to occupy 
A lofty exalted place. 

But there's more of peace and comfort 
In the humbler walks of life ; 

Where days are spent in sweet content 
Away from the wild world's strife. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 45 

NEVER LIE 

NEVER equivocate, my friend, 
But say just what you mean; 
'Twill pay you better in the end. 

And keep your conscience clean. 
Have all who know you, surely feel 

On you they can rely ; 
That what you say is true and real, 
And that you never lie. 

When talking, mean just what you say; 

Say naught you do not mean. 
"Beating around the bush," don't pay; 

Let words be true and clean. 
All hypocrites, mankind despise. 

Thus it has always been. 
Those who at heart are truly wise, 

Are clean and honest men. 



FOR AN ALBUM 



To- 



IF I was only Thirty-five, 
While you are Twenty-six, 
Some how, some way, I would contrive 

With your consent to fix 
The month, the day, the hour, when we 

The Gossips' tongues would stir, 
When Bride and Bridegroom we would stand 
Before the "Minister." 



46 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



THOUGHT 

THOUGHT wingeth its way through the reahns of space, 
Can instantly visit each clime and place ; 
Annihilates Time, it was at Time's birth, 
Can mirror the doom and the end of Earth. 
It unravels mysteries once unknown, 
And is reigning king on invention's throne. 

It inspires to sympathy, aids the weak, 
It fires ambition new laurels to seek; 
'Tis seen in the voice and writings of men, 
And the moving spirit of all things been. 
'Tis the greatest power mankind e'er knew, 
Has guided the world the centuries through. 

It quiets the soul or incites to rage, 
Spans the future with hope and comforts age; 
It may gentle be or with passion gleam. 
Through and over each act it reigns supreme. 
Unseen and unbidden it comes unsought. 
Persistent and uncontrollable Thought. 

It will carry us back to childhood's days 

As life's fair music o'er memory plays ; 

And all through the years of manhood's prime 

It clusters events in rhythmical rhyme. 

When the hush and the stillness of age is ours. 

It will crown with content life's waning hours. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 47 

LED— LEAD 

AS you mingle with your neighbors 
In the world's unceasing strife, 
'Mid the varying conditions 

That combine to make up life, 
Are you really independent. 

Or advice of others heed. 
And in all your life and actions 
Are you led, or do you lead? 

Do you follow with the "rabble" 

Who by some strong mind are led, 
Or are you, yourself, a "leader," 

With a following instead ; 
Do you blindly follow others 

And adopt their law and creed, 
Or yourself, do your own thinking. 

Are you led, or do you lead? 

Are you always vacillating 

With a mind too weak to act, 
Lacking courage in the struggle 

Which is cowardice, in fact; 
Turn about, my fellow mortal. 

It is confidence you need ; 
It's as easy, if you think so, 

Not to follow, but to lead. 

There are many hundred thousands 

In the quiet walks of life 
Who'd be heroes if they'd only 

Enter in the world's great strife; 
They have brains but lack ambition, 

While their energy lies dead, 
As they drift among the driftwood, 

Never leading, but are led. 



48 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

'Tis the men of will and daring 

Who rely on self alone, 
Who by energy and courage 

To mighty men have grown. 
Use the power that lies within you, 

And you'll surely forge ahead, 
And you'll never ask the question — 

Am I led, or do I lead? 



TEARS 



A TEAR is like a dewdrop that the sunshine kisses up, 
It glistens as a dewdrop shines on rose and buttercup ; 
It has a language eloquent, though not a word is said, 
While readily its meaning may by loving hearts be read. 

A tear precedes the fond good-bye when dearest friends must part, 
And tears are often outlets for the anguish of the heart. 
No life's without its sorrow, but grief's often swept away, 
As through a glistening teardrop there comes a brighter ray. 

There are tears of consolation, of feeling, pity, hope, 
The welcome tears of sympathy with trouble help us cope ; 
They speak a silent language often heard when lips are dumb, 
And through their pleading tenderness relief and succor come. 

A tear will oft' express a feeling deeper far than thought. 
And he who dries a single tear a blessing rich has brought ; 
The world is oft' too cruel in its coldness and its scorn, 
But through the tears of sympathy a brighter world is born. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 49 

TOIL 

THERE'S no such thing as triumph 
For him who does not toil ; 
Whether in mental effort, 
Or tilling of the soil; 
Whether in high profession 

Or in more menial lines ; 
Whether as banker, merchant, 
Or worker in the mines. 

Success in any calling 

Depends on labor spent, 
And no work is degrading 

If noble the intent; 
And each fulfils his mission 

If what he does, does well, 
For ceaseless earnest effort 

Will in the long run tell. 

The work of brawn and muscle, 

The world will always find 
Is needed to develop 

The workings of the mind ; 
And honor comes with triumph 

In whate'er we find to do. 
While triumph comes by toiling. 

And satisfaction too. 

In willing toil there's pleasure. 

And health and happiness ; 
The busy man rejoices 

In stalwart manliness. 
In form erect and stately, 

He stoops to no low thing. 
For toil has brought him triumph, 

He walks the earth a king. 



50 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



CRANKS 



I HAVE watched a lightning streak 
As it zigzagged through the air, 
And heard the roaring thunder 
Come, after the fitful glare. 

I've thought of some men I knew 
Whose lives were a sudden flash, 

Crooked as zigzag lightning, 

But closed with an awful crash. 

They brought the whirlwind with them. 
And the world all looked amazed ; 

But suddenly they vanished 
As wonderingly we gazed. 

The sky has many meteors, 

But the rounded dome of night 

Has stars of radiant beauty. 

That are permanently bright. 

And all around about us 

We have men of sterling worth ; 
The "cranks" are the exceptions 

And they but excite our mirth. 



A MEMORY 

JT^IS a faded piece of furniture, 

1 A relic of years now fled; 
But it brings up dearest memories 

Of the living and the dead. 
'Twas my dear old mother's rocking chair. 

Where for days she'd sit alone. 
To others it has but little worth, 

To me it's a queenly throne. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 51 

BILLY JONES 

To see Billy Jones swell out his chest 
And brag of what he had done, 
You'd think of all men he was the best, 
The smartest under the sun. 

His stories all of the biggest kind, 

His achievements just immense ; 
That is, if to the facts you were blind 

And deceived by his pretence. 

He told of "piles" of cash he had won. 

But was always somehow short; 
To pay his bills he hadn't the "mon," 

And his ships ne'er came to port. 

He swaggered around just like a lord, 

And loud were the words he spoke ; 
Most of the people he met seemed bored, 

For Billy was always broke. 

A pufifed-up, silly and useless man. 

Jaws wagging at every breath ; 
He went through life on this windy plan 

'Til caught by the "Jaws of Death." 



FACT 



WHAT at morn seems a mountain of trouble. 
Often fades as a shadow away. 
Like a thin though huge watery bubble 

That has burst ere the closing of day. 
We imagine more ills than are real. 

And we let little trifles annoy, 
For the days as they pass will reveal 

That there's far less of trouble than joy. 



52 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

ONLY A DROP 

ONLY a drop, but 'tis single drops 
That cover the fields with dew; 
'Tis myriad drops combined that roll 

In billows of ocean blue. 
The summer shower and the welcome rain 

That nourish the farmer's crops, 
And causes the wheat and corn to grow. 
Is made up of crystal drops. 

Only a word, but a single word 

May brighten some troubled soul. 
Over whose life the darkening clouds 

And the waves of anguish roll ; 
May lift from the gloom of dark despair 

A mind that will live to shine 
In rays of beauty, reflecting back 

The thoughts of a life divine. 

Only a look, just a kindly look. 

To some tired and struggling one, 
Will give fresh courage to rise again 

And fight 'til the vict'ry's won ; 
'Twill start the tide of sympathy's wave 

And lift the burden of care, 
'Til bourne on a smile, it floats away 

To realms of the land "No Where." 

Only an act, just a simple act, 

If in an opportune time, 
Alay stop some feet from going astray. 

And may save some soul from crime; 
May brighten a home that's darkened been. 

Cheer up some hearts that are sad, 
And cause the sunshine again to stream 

Into lives again made glad. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 53 

Only a thought, as it wings its way, 

Inspiring others to think, 
May change the tide of human events, 

Save nations from ruin's brink. 
A thought, 'tis the flash that Hghts the fire. 

That scatters the power of might, 
Dethroning error, while in its place 

We see the triumph of Right. 



"ADA"— "ARTE" 

THE Dominie's words they were far from few. 
For he had no doubt a big fee in view ; 
So he slowly, solemnly joined for life. 
Both "Arte" and "Ada," as man and wife. 

The step they have taken took years to decide. 
Now "Arte's" a husband, and "Ada" a bride. 



But it took many years of long wooing to get her, 
And they're both of them old enough to know better. 
We'll forgive them, however, for all of us would 
Do the same as these young folks — that is, if we could. 
So we'll wish them good luck in the journey ahead. 
And will shower our blessings on "Foxy" and "Tread." 



Written on the Marriage of 

Arthur W. Fox and Ada A. Treadwell, 

at 488 Third Street. Brooklyn, 

Feb. 12th. 1908. 



54 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



A RIDE 

ROLLING and dashing at headlong speed, 
Spurting ahead like a maddened steed, 
Cleaving the air like a flash of light, 
Swerving not once to the left or right; 

The quickened blood did our pulses feel 
As we rode in the "Admiral's automobile." 

Like a thing of life the "auto" flew 
Through village and town and landmarks new ; 
And we gazed in wonder as on we sped 
Past homes of the living and graves of the dead. 
But we felt secure in the monster of steel, 
For such was the "Admiral's automobile." 

The air seemed pregnant with new born life. 
With perfume and fragrance everywhere rife; 
Each moment new vistas met our gaze. 
And variety came in a thousand ways. 
Enjoyment was perfect, pure and real, 
As we rode in the "Admiral's automobile." 



The above refers to an automobile ride taken on invitation of A. E. 
Tolkamp, Esq. The party consisted of Mr. A. E Tolkamp, Mr. W. H- 
Haddon. Mr. R. P. Messiter, Mr. E. A. Rollins, and Mr. A. Treadwell. 

The route taken was Brooklyn to Tarrytown, thence by ferry to Nyack 
and then to Palisades, the residence of Seth W. Fox, Esq., where the party 
were entertained at dinner. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 55 



TO THE GRUMBLERS 

WHISTLE away your troubles, 
Whistle away your fears; 
Just do your best, 
Then leave the rest 
To the harvest of the years. 

Dismiss all thought of anger, 
Dismiss all thought of hate, 

And all the while 

Just wear a smile. 
Whatever your lot or fate. 

There's nothing gained by worry, 
There's nothing gained through fret; 

Just do your part 

With cheerful heart, 
And you'll win the victory yet. 



OTHERS 

THE first thought of a mind that is broad and deep 
Is the welfare and pleasure of others. 
Quite ready to sacrifice personal ease 

To encourage less fortunate brothers. 
For 'tis really a fact, more pleasures derived 

And our lives made more cheerful and brighter, 
If we're pleased ourselves most when others are pleased. 
And in this way make life's burdens lighter. 



56 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

RUTH 

I KNOW a maid and they call her "Ruth," 
Her face is fair and her heart is "Truth," 
Her hazel eyes are as diamonds bright, 
And golden tresses reflect the light. 

She is pure as a rose in its early bloom, 
And as sweet as the lily's rare perfume; 
Her mind is as clear as a limpid stream. 
And from it the flashes of genius gleam. 
She is young in years but mature in thought. 
And poesy's gems in her heart's inwrought. 
She is blithe and gay 
As a summer's day. 

And smiles o'er her youthful features play. 
May her future life 
Be with fragrance rife. 
Whether as matron, or maid, or wife. 

To Miss Ruth Eveline Lewis, 

Age 9, 

Brooklyn, Jan. 8, 1907. 



RUTH 



EYES of hazel and golden hair, 
And a smile of radiant beauty 
That plays o'er features supremely fair, 
With form as perfect and grace as rare. 
As the pictured models of angels are, 
And as true to truth and duty. 

Her laughter is like a rippling stream, 

And as bright as sparkling water ; 
Her thoughts are free as a Poet's dream, 
And glow with beautiful rhythmic gleam. 
And no one fairer to me doth seem 

Than "Ruth," the Doctor's daughter. 



To Miss Ruth Eveline Lewis, 
Age 9 years. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 57 



ADA 

LITTLE of stature but large of heart, 
J And nobly acting a woman's part ; 
Of all who know her she has no foes, 
Her life's as sweet as a summer rose. 

She's true to duty in every way. 
Her smile is bright as a sunbeam's ray; 
Wherever she goes she spreads delight 
And cheerfulness keeps her own heart light. 

As daughter, dearer and fonder grew. 
As wife, is ever most leal and true; 
In every circle in which she moved, 
Respected by all and dearly loved. 

Ready to sacrifice comfort and ease. 
Studying always others to please ; 
Reserved and quiet, in no way bold, 
And her soul as pure as minted gold. 



A BIRTHDAY 

ANOTHER milestone turned, 
Another year gone by ; 
Another sunset buried 

Along Life's western sky. 
Another leaf with acts 

Filled out and written o'er, 
And nearer now the strand 
Of yonder golden shore. 



58 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

BIRDS 

SWEET throated warblers of the air, 
Velvet winged messengers of song, 
Ye storm the citadel of care. 

And make our faith and hope more strong 
From forest, field and woodland copse, 

And by the banks of running streams, 
And from the wooded mountain slopes, 
Most musical ye make our dreams. 

From the clear depths of azure air. 

At morning's dawn and sunset's glow, 
The waves of music rich and rare. 

In one harmonious current flow. 
Ye pierce with song the liquid sky 

Soon as the stars of night grow dim, 
From meadows green or mountain high, 

Each song becomes a joyful hymn. 

Your plumage varies as the rays 

That glow in rainbow's tinted shades ; 
Ye crown with song the summer days 

From temperate north to everglades. 
Ye speak a language understood 

By souls attuned to melody. 
Ye vocal make the fields and wood 

By your continuous minstrelsy. 

Oh, would that life with us might be 

As 'tis with birds, a constant song; 
Our hearts as innocent and free, 

Without the blighting curse of wrong. 
Sing on, ye warblers of the air, 

Velvet winged messengers of song; 
Ye storm the citadel of care, 

Ye make our faith and hope more strong. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 59 



SPRING 

OH, a hackneyed thing 
Is a rhyme on Spring, 
And yet, somehow, the wide world over, 
'Tis the season when 
Comes from flowing pen 

A rhyme to a maid from her lover. 

Then in honeyed words 
He sings of the birds, 

And the first fresh bloom of the flowers; 
While he tells his lass 
Of the velvet grass. 

And the mantling green of the bowers. 

Of the murmur low. 
Of the brooklets flow, 

And the river with wild spray dashing, 
While he says her eyes 
Like stars in the skies 

With light and with beauty are flashing. 

Of the gentle breeze 
Blowing soft through trees, 

And the honey bees gentle humming ; ; 
How the balmy air, 
Gives a promise fair, 

That the bloom of the summer's coming, 

And his heart bounds free 
With the minstrelsy, 

Born of early spring's inspiration ; 
For the winter's dead. 
Its icy chill fled. 

And he's "chock" right full of elation. 



60 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

OLDEN MEMORIES 

YES, they take me back to the river, 
That flowed by our quiet home ; 
And I see the stars as then they shone 

In the evenings' star-lit dome. 
And I walk the flowery meadow, 

Where the cattle grazed at will, 
And I hear the music sweet again 
Of the little woodland rill. 

I have traveled o'er earth's broad surface. 

Have crossed its oceans and seas. 
Have witnessed the wonderful grandeur 

Of scenes which conspired to please. 
But nothing has yielded the pleasure 

That came with my childhood days 
For the olden memories ever 

Come back in a thousand ways. 

And I think of them in the daylight. 

They come in dreams of the night ; 
The world to me was a fairy scene 

And its every object bright. 
My heart was as light as the zephyrs 

That came in the evening's gloam, 
And the voices of friends was music 

In my childhood's early home. 

And the presence and forms and faces 

I knew in the olden time, 
Come back through my memory's vision, 

In clear and musical rhyme. 
And though there's a heaven hereafter, 

And a life of endless joy, 
It cannot, methinks, overshadow 

The bliss of an innocent boy. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 61 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT 

TEDDY'S closing up his Term with a "whoop," 
He is going out of office with a roar; 
He has put some reputations in the "soup," 
And made some "malefactors" very sore. 
He's been fearless in his every act and word, 

He's been "hewing to the line" straight along; 
No honest reputations has he slurred, 

But he's known exactly what was right or wrong. 

He would sacrifice a friend or strike a foe 

Whenever facts demanded that he should ; 
He was ready with an argument or blow, 

And when he struck, the blow was hard and good. 
Wealth or station made no difference to him, 

He would praise or he would censure as seemed just ; 
He would compliment or prosecute with vim. 

And it little mattered how much he was "cussed." 

He has been a real President, in fact, 

Not the tool of any partisan or clique : 
When time for action came he'd fearless act. 

And no subterfuge at any time would seek. 
He's been healthy both in body and in mind, 

And has "had a corking time," as he said. 
If you search the broad world over, you won't find 

A ruler with a clearer "level head." 

He stopped the war 'tween "Russia and Japan," 

He sent our fleet a-sailing round the world; 
Under him the Panama Canal began 

And defiance 'gainst all critics has been hurled. 
He's the idol of the masses of our land, 

And respected, too, in every foreign clime ; 
His record while in office has been grand, 

And his fame will last through all of future time. 



62 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

He's as gentle as a kitten in his heart, 

He's as fearless as a lion in his acts ; 
Never hesitates to nobly act his part 

In a crisis, manly courage never lacks. 
All along he's been a leader, never led; 

To his Country and his conscience always true ; 
Through all turmoil he has kept a "level head" — 

Teddy Roosevelt, the whole world now honors you. 

March 1st, 1909. 



LINES SUGGESTED BY THE DEATH OF 
OLD FRIENDS 

THEY are passing away, the old and gray, 
From scenes which they long have known. 
The crown of years, with its joys and tears, 

And its harvest of good deeds sown 
Is a crown of light, made radiant bright 
By days that have golden grown. 

They are passing on, for their work is done. 
They go to "The Land of the Blest;" 

They guided our youth in the paths of Truth, 
And they struggled to do their best. 

Whatever we are, we owe to their care, 
But they go to their long, long rest. 

They are passing away, a brighter day 

Shall follow the setting sun 
As the morning light shall scatter the night 

With Eternity's dawn begun. 
But with all our pozvers, we zvill claim them ours 

As our memories backward run. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 63 



A PRIVATE CITIZEN 

THE "daily bark of Congress" has been stopped, 
The censure of a hostile press been dropped, 
For back to Oyster Bay 
Our Roosevelt's found his way. 
And is now a private citizen. 

While President he never cared a "fig" 
How enemies would cut or carve or "dig," 

Was ready for a fight 

When feeling he was right, 

But he's now a private citizen. 

To duty he was fearless, true and brave. 
To office, his best efforts always gave ; 

To left or right ne'er swerved, 

Each got what he deserved, 

But he's now a private citizen. 

To conscience and the law was true as steel. 
But made all wriggling evil-doers squeal ; 

His fame is now secure, 

Through ages will endure. 

Though he's now a private citizen. 

March 5th, 1909. 



64 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



"TEDDY'S" TRIP 



NOW "Teddy" on his journey's gone to far off Eastern lands, 
The "Wooley" West won't tip up, for our "Taft" will 
keep it down ; 
But we'll daily watch for news from far "Afric's" burning sands, 
And he'll never be forgotten in tlie country or the town. 
The Cable as he travels will be kept red hot, 
And the echo of his rifle we shall hear; 
For we know with his gun he's a certain dead shot, 
And he'll trail the roaring lion without fear. 



He's already brought down game in the land of the U. S., 

Such as "sky hooted" Railroads and such as mismanaged 
"Trusts," 
The evil doers blamed him for creating such a fuss, 
But the sky always seems clear&r when an empty 
bubble busts. 
His courage cleared the air whenever trouble showed, 

Without warning quickly down the "Big Stick" came. 
Every act with a firm determination glowed. 

Rich or poor to him were ever all the same. 



Opposition did not phase him from whatever source it came. 
He blurted out the naked truth, regardless who was hit ; 
Whether in or out of Congress, to him was all the same, 
If the evil doer wriggled, he didn't care a bit. 

He backed his thoughts by action, swerving not a line, 

He was guided by the facts and nothing more ; 
For censure, praise or blame he never seemed to care. 
While cuttinsf out an evil at the core. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME G5 

So success to "Teddy Roosevelt" on his trip to "Afric's" sand, 

He'll have courage in the "Jungle," as when here; 
And the "Game" will have to yield as the "Trigger" feels 
his hand. 
For there, as here, he'll have no sense of fear. 

The Tiger with his stripes will be brought to sudden halt, 

And the Jaguar will all quickly try to flee; 
The Elephant must yield or 'twill be our "Teddy's" fault, 
But he'll ride him as he did the "G. O. P." 



A 



APHORISMS 

PROFIT once made and said to be clear, 
Is quite often under a cloud, I fear. 



Whether a woman is old or is young. 

She must have great strength to just hold her tongue. 

All women are riddles, but then again. 
Some of them are most remarkably plain. 

Many a woman's loud laughter and smirk 
Is but to show dimples and dentists' work. 

A girl is given in marriage, they say. 

But there's lots of them throw themselves away. 

Strange that some women afraid of a mouse. 
Will boss any husband, rule the whole house. 

While some married women spend tiresome lives. 
Just from lack of tact that should govern wives. 

One safely can boast of ancestral pride. 

For no kick can come from those who have died. 



66 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



FORGET 

TRY and be a good "forgetter," 
There is nothing gained by hate, 
'Tis the wiser course and better 
Not on wrong to meditate. 
Just forget the past, don't worry, 

It is easier to forgive 
Than to be in constant flurry 
And in worriment to live. 

There is more of joy than sorrow 

If you will but have it so; 
Why each day some trouble borrow 

As along through life you go? 
Better gather up the sunbeams 

That are cast athwart your way, 
And have your day and night dreams 

Bright and pleasant while you may. 

God has given us of daylight 

Longer hours than those of gloom. 
Even night has radiant starlight 

Woven in its "woof and loom." 
Let your face be ever smiling, 

Let your words be those of cheer, 
Every thought of grief beguiling. 

And the world will bright appear. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 67 

TWO SONS 

TWO sons to full manhood had grown, 
And both were unlike their old "Dad," 
The way they conducted themselves 

Had made the old man very sad. 
He'd done all a fond father could. 

Advice they would always disdain ; 
And oft' the old gentleman said, 

"I wish they were children again." 

In business he'd started them both. 

But neither, somehow, could succeed; 
They lost all the money advanced. 

Were always behind and in need. 
It broke the old gentleman's heart 

And gave him much sorrow and pain, 
As oft' he was heard to remark, 

"I wish they were children again." 

They never would heed his advice. 

Determined to have their own way; 
They'd carelessly run into debt, 

Then look to their father to pay. 
His words had but little efifect, 

And all that he did was in vain ; 
Discouraged, he often remarked, 

"I wish they were children again." 

Perhaps if when younger in years, 

He'd taught them some lessons in thrift, 
Then turned them at loose on the world. 

Unaided, to struggle and shift, 
They might have succeeded in life. 

For Man rarely struggles in vain. 
If forced to, then no one would wish 

To see them as children asfain. 



68 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

SILENCE 

THERE'S an eloquence in silence, 
That is sweeter far than speech ; 
There's a mystic chord that trembleth, 

That mere words can never reach; 
There's an influence exerted 

That will conquer worlds of doubt, 
As the quiet thinking plodder, 
In most every case wins out. 

There's a melody in silence, 

As o'er heart-strings oft' it plays, 
Reviving precious memories 

Of the bygone olden days; 
And there sweep across our visions, 

Scenes that erstwhile were forgot, 
While we dwell in silent rapture. 

On some sacred hallowed spot. 

There's a rhythm in the silence 

Of myriad stars of night. 
Revolving in their silent spheres. 

Diffusing silvery light ; 
Silently falls the evening dew. 

And silently flowers bloom, 
Silently floating through the air 

Comes their delicate perfume. 

There's a subtle charm in silence. 

When the storm of wrath sweeps by, 
That will calm and cheer and comfort, 

And a man's life dignify; 
And whether wise or otherwise. 

If a man keeps still and cool, 
The vast majority of men 

Will consider him no fool. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 69 

NEW YEAR, 1909 

No. I 

AS I listened I heard the clock strike twelve 
On the dark December night, 
When instantly forth from infinite space. 

Leaped a form all robed in light. 
And my heart beat faster as still I gazed, 

But I felt no sense of fear, 
For I saw at a glance the radiant form, 
Was the bright and glad New Year. 

And it wore a garland of brilliant sheen, 

Its sceptre was glit'ring gold ; 
Which reflected light from the starry sky 

As the dark clouds backward rolled. 
Soon the rosy dawn of the morn appeared, 

The darkness faded away, 
And the world awoke and greeted with glee, 

The birth of the New Year day. 

Smiles wreathed the faces of people I met, 

And joy seemed to reign supreme, 
While voices were musical in their tone, 

A.nd eyes flashed pleasures' bright gleam. 
Hope and expectancy filled each heart, 

While all forgotten was Fear, 
Hatred was laid in the grave of the past. 

As all hailed the glad New Year. 

I silently prayed that the Lord of all 

Would make the year "Nineteen-nine" 
A bright, a glad and a prosperous one 

To the world, and all of mine. 
And it may be so if we'll do our best 

In a quiet humble way; 
Be true to ourselves, to others be true, 

Beginning this New Year's day. 



70 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



NEW YEAR, 1909 
No. 2 

ALL over the earth from "zone to zone," 
From lowly cabui to kingly throne, 
From palace of wealth to poor man's cot 

There's not o'er this whole broad earth a spot, 
But feels the thrill and gladdening ray 

Of brighter hope on this New Year day. 

Whatever of grief there was. forget; 

Whatever of joy 'tis with you yet; 
Whatever sorrow you've had to bear, 

Dismiss it with every thought of care 
And resolve the coming days shall be 

From cankering care and worry free. 

Humanity breathes a clearer air 

With hopes for the future bright and fair. 
Mankind is moving with giant strides 

On life's fair river's favoring tides. 
While progress is steady, sure and real, 

Advancing the cause of human weal. 

Let smiles o'er radiant features play, 

And your voice be full of cheer to-day ; 

However checkered the past may seem. 
Let it be a dim forgotten dream. 

Keep cheerful, doing the best you may, 

And start anew on this New Year day. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 71 

INSPIRATION VERSUS WINE 

I HAVE breathed the pure air of the morning 
As 'twas wafted from meadows, dew washed, 
With no death deaHng aftermath coming, 

And with no sense of feeling abashed. 
Inspiration I've felt as the beauty 

Of woman, my soul has admired, 
And I've climbed up the steeps of Parnassus 
As I gazed on her features, inspired. 

I've received inspiration from gazing 

At the star-studded dome of the skies. 
As I revelled in ecstatic pleasure, 

Filled with wonder and awe and surprise. 
From the ocean in storm and in tempest. 

As its huge waves were all lashed with foam. 
From the laughter of children, sweet singing, 

Making music in each happy home. 

From the summer's sweet blossoms and flowers, 

From the forests in autumn's rich hue. 
From the Sun in its zenith of splendor. 

To the Sunsets of gorgeous hue. 
From the warble of birds in the bowers, 

From the prowling of beasts in their lair, 
From the rainbow that arches the heavens. 

And the lightning's rich red lurid glare. 

And I need not the fruit of the vineyard, 

Flowing crushed in red rivers of wine, 
To inspire or give thought and expression 

To a truth or a sentiment fine. 
For the whole world about is inspiring, 

'Tis a truth most admittedly plain. 
That all wine at the best is a mocker, 

And that alcohol "muddles" the brain. 



72 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



WAIT 

DO obstacles confront you? 
Wait. 
Friends prove false you thought were true- 
Wait. 
If you know you're right, don't worry, 
Just keep cool amid the flurry, 
Fiercest storms pass soonest by. 
Afterward the sunny sky. 

Wait. 

Patience has its own reward. 

Wait. 
Victors oft' are battle-scarred. 

Wait. 
Do not get in heat or passion, 
For your foes feel some compassion, 
Opposition will subside, 
If the wrong you have defied. 

Wait. 

On your sense of right rely, 

Wait. 
Every "scowling cur" defy, 

Wait. 
Of the future be not fearful, 
Keep a happy heart and cheerful. 
Self reliant be, and firm, 
Notice not each "wriggling worm." 

Wait. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 73 

EARLY SPRING 

THE grass is just beginning 
To show a fresher green; 
The lakelets glassy surface 

Is bright with silver sheen. 
The tree-tops barren branches, 

With bursting buds are tipped, 
The lilacs early blossoms 

In purple glory dipped. 

The balmy air seems wooing 

All nature back to life, 
And soon with lovely fragrance, 

The gardens will be rife. 
From out the soil comes peeping 

The leaves of many a flower. 
Kissed by the balmy sunshine, 

And hastened by the shower. 

The blue bird and the robin 

Are winging fast their way, 
From ever blooming southland, 

And coming here to stay. 
We're longing for the chirping 

Of songsters of the air; 
Spring's here and summer's coming. 

There's gladness everywhere. 

Each season has its merits, 

We welcome it when here, 
If springtime, summer, autumn. 

E'en winter has its cheer. 
It makes but Httle matter 

What season comes along. 
If hearts are light and cheerful, 

Our lives will be a song. 



74 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



MUSIC 

OH, the melting sound of music when the heart is racked 
with pain, 
It softens grief, increases joy, with its sweet melodious strain. 
Oft' it comes as the physician, and it makes the sick man well, 
And it cheers the humblest home on earth, where peace and 

comfort dwell. 
Yet it soars to highest Heaven in the strains by Seraphs sung, 
It is born of God, 'twas heard on earth while yet the world 

was young. 
If we listen we can hear it in the growth of leaves and flowers, 
In the tempest when it rages, and in sweet refreshing showers. 

It will fill the soul with melody, though quiet in its tone; 

'Tis a universal language understood in every zone, 

'Tis a messenger of peace, yet oft' inspires in battle's rage. 

'Tis the lullaby of infancy, the comfort of old age. 

To the wanderer when far away its soft tones speak of home, 

While memory mirrors boyhood's days wherever he may roam. 

'Tis the songstress of the woodland, where the bubbling 

brooklets flow. 
Or the forest tree-tops rustle as the breezes come and go. 

'Tis the sweetest best companion ever known to mortal man. 
Yes, "the morning stars together sang," ere yet the world began. 
It will wing the soul on lofty flights, religious zeal inspire ; 
'Twill calm the most tempestuous thoughts, or set the soul on fire. 
'Twill loose the font of comfort's tears, as the cold world 

passes by ; 
'Twill thrill in strains of gaiety, or dry the weeping eye. 
The sweetest songs we ever hear are those we cannot sing; 
But they thrill the soul with melody, and richest comfort bring. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 75 



MY BIRTHDAY 

OH ! the rapid flight of the tide of years, 
I am Sixty-six to-day. 
How the past, Hke a brief short span appears, 
With its floods of joy and its seas of tears, 
And many the voices memory hears 

That float through the by-gone way. 

Oh! the rapid flight of the march of time, 

I am Sixty-six to-day. 
I've wandered in many a land and clime, 
'Mid scenes that at times have seemed sublime. 
Where Nature and Art were blended in rhyme, 

And life seemed a flowery way. 

A few of the friends of my youth remain. 

Bright jewels in friendship's crown. 

And the love that binds us shall never wane, 

Or links of the past be severed in twain ; 

But strength with the rolling years shall gain 
That naught can efiface or drown. 

But many have passed to the other side. 

And await my coming there, 
Though I said good-bye as they crossed the tide, 
I knew that the distance was far from wide, 
And I'm simply waiting my time to bide, 

Ere I shall their pleasures share. 



My Birthday, 
Nov. 29, 1907 



76 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

SIXTY-SIX 

SIXTY-SIX, but it seems a span 
Of the brief years linked in one; 
Sixty-six since my life began, 

How rapid the time has run. 

Sixty-six, yet I seem to feel 
That life is yet in its prime. 

While all about me seems most real, 
And my faith is still sublime. 

Sixty-six, how my mind runs back 

As I'm sitting here alone, 
And mem'ry seems no link to lack 

As the months to years have grown. 

Faces are mirrored on my mind 

As clear as in olden time. 
And to the Past my heartstrings bind, 

As I write this simple rhyme. 

And thoughts of bygone days bring Cheer, 
While friendships which once were mine. 

More sacred seem each passing year 
And with brighter beauty shine. 

Sixty-six, and I've often thought 
What now of the years ahead, 

Shall joy be mine or grief unsought 
Ere I'm numbered with the dead? 

I'll toss aside each thought of care, 
Determined to do my best ; 

And though the days be foul or fair 
With Fate I will leave the rest. 

Written on my Sixty-sixth Birthday, 
Nov. 29th. 1907. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 77 



ANTICIPATORY 

THEY took me aboard at upper New York, 
The Motor-boat floated light as a cork; 
The little propeller whizzed round like fun, 
We shot through water like bullet from gun. 
The spray it dashed lightly from either bow, 
While the Hudson baptized our "Reynard's" prow. 
The spires of the City faded away 
As we onward dashed on our northward way. 
On the right the terraced banks of the stream 
With verdure clad, lay in autumn's bright dream. 
On the left, far away till vision fades. 
Stood the massive heights of the Palisades. 
While the glinting sun on the wavelets bright 
With blending of silver and golden light, 
And the diamond sparkle of bits of spray 
Seemed a sheen of glory with "elfs" at play. 
The Hudson's the "river of death," some say — 
We found it a river of life that day. 



Written anticipating a sail on the Hudson from New 
York to the Palisades in Mr. William Fox's motorboat, 
the " Reynard," Saturday, October 3rd, 1908. 



78 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



RETROSPECTIVE 

I LANDED at last on the Palisades' shore, 
Was drenched to the skin and with feelings quite sore. 
The waves of the Hudson had salted me down 
From soles of my feet to the top of my crown. 
We started all right, but when once under way, 
The first dose I got was a dash of salt spray. 
The waves in their fury more angry became, 
I was steering the craft and meant to die game. 
The motor-boat pitched like a crazy "galoot," 
As through each huge billow we'd rapidly shoot. 
One "comber" much fiercer than all of the rest, 
To drown us appeared to be doing its best ; 
It buried the prow of our staunch little craft. 
And rolled in its might past amidships and aft. 
Our hats were swept off, we were deluged with brine, 
But the boat passed through it, behaving most fine. 
I never expected when leaving the shore 
But what smoothly we'd sail the blue waters o'er; 
When Neptune kicked up such a terrible fuss, 
We all were surprised, for it couldn't be "wus ;" 
And when we at last put our feet on the shore. 
We were all of us glad the voyage was o'er. 



Written after a sail on the Hudson from New York 
to the Palisades, in Mr. Wm. Fox's motorboat, the 
■• Reynard." Oct. 3rd. 1908. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 79 

TO ADA 

NOW Ada, my dear, 
You may think it quite queer 
My motive for writing in this funny style ; 
But perhaps you will think 
I have plenty of ink 

And am just merely trying my time to beguile. 

I have thought at this time, 
A brief letter in rhyme 

You'd be glad to receive from your "Daddy," 
So I'll try to enthuse 
By the aid of my muse, 

That was born while I yet was a "laddie." 

Your good letter just came. 
And it warmed like a flame 

My whole heart as I read it with pleasure, 
For all through the years. 
You've been dearest of dears, 

And I've prized you as life's richest treasure. 

And though you are married, 
The old love is carried 

In my heart, as in years that have filed ; 
I think of you ever^ 
And nothing can sever 

The afifection by which I've been led. 

********** 
And I'm happy to know 
That wherever you go 
Your circle of friendship will still larger grow; 

You will still happy be 

For all others will see 

That the crown of your life is your sincerity. 



80 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

I long ago knew 

That both Arthur and you 

If mated, would each to the other prove true; 

And as time goes along, 

Your lives are a song, 

And I know in the future there'll nothing go wrong. 



The "Colonel" is kind 
And has ever in mind 

To do what he can to bless others; 
And it's true orthodox 
When I say Mrs. Fox 

Is the best and kindest of mothers. 



Both "Willie" and "Jen" 

Are desirable ken. 

And are far above average ladies and men ; 

With fine education 

They grace any station. 

And are worthy of any ones just commendation. 

Your surroundings are grand, 

Both on water or land, 

You have auto and motor-boat, each at command ; 

You have carriages, neat, 

And horses most fleet, 

And everything pleasant except the vile "skeet." 

The air is most bracing. 

All ennui chasing, 

And it's pleasant to look while the Hudson you're tracing; 

The boats passing at night 

Are a beautiful sight, 

As they flash on the hilltop their radiant light. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 81 

In the twilight the breeze 

Murmurs soft through the trees 

With its lullaby music conspiring to please ; 

When night's mantle closes, 

One sweetly reposes 

Like naiads reclining on pillows of roses. 

But we'll welcome you all 

When you're back in the Fall 

To renew the old times which we love to recall ; 

In the meantime remember 

Keep alive "love's bright ember," 

And we'll kiss all around when we meet in November. 

To my dauehter, Ada A. Fox. in reply 
to a letter from her summer home. 



THE SUFFRAGETTE 

NOBODY'S darling, nobody's pet, 
And this is the modern "Suffragette." 

A mannish female who's quite too bold, 
Unfit to enter the marriage fold. 

Can only smile in the coldest way, 
And is old in heart before she's gray. 

Or already past the age in life 
When nobody seeks her for a wife. 

Or, if married, cannot act her part, 
With her chilly, cold platonic heart. 

Nobody's darling, nobody's pet. 
And this is the ranting "Suffragette." 



82 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

TO TESSIE 



M 



Y dear daughter "Tess," 
I must really guess, 



You're accusing me freely of gross carelessness; 
But just all the same, 
Since your good letter came 
I've intended to write, so I beg, do not blame. 

Your letter was neat, 
Its sentiments sweet, 
I assure you to get it proved quite a treat; 

You're no novice in writing 

Or good thoughts inditing. 

Every word of your letter was pleasure inciting. 

The electrical spark. 

So lights Asbury Park, 

That you're never compelled "to go home in the dark." 

And from what I have seen 

Down there, you're a Queen, 

For there's nothing about you in any way mean. 

You are sprightly in walk. 

Most charming in talk, 

And your lovely complexion is not made of chalk. 

You're as quick as a flash. 

But you never are rash, 

And if you weren't married j'ou'd just be a "mash." 

Your head, it is "level," 

And any poor "devil" 

Would find himself sold if attempting to revel. 
You are always polite, 
But just know what is right, 
Will never submit to, or give any slight. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 83 

Down there by the shore, 

With the ocean's wild roar, 

And friends who in numbers are many a score. 

The hours must glide by 

As the summer clouds fly. 

With everything pleasant to heart and to eye. 

The fine "Ocean Hotel," 

Where you stop, is quite swell, 

And Boniface Atkins just manages well; 

The rooms are all neat. 

And it's just hard to beat. 

The table o'erflowing with good things to eat. 

So enjoy yourself, dear, 
But don't think it queer 
When I say we'll be glad when you're back again here. 

I'm sincere when I state 

Our joy will be great, 

When we see you again at old Four eighty-eight. 

To my daughter-in-law Tessie, summering 
at Asbury Park, N. J., August, 1908 



CONFIDENCE 

THEY annoy me but do not dishearten, 
For I'm pressing still steadily on, 
And all of the while I am wearing a smile. 
All regardless of wrong they have done. 

And I haven't a doubt of the future, 

For I know that my motive is right. 

The race may be long, but I'm hopeful and strong. 
And I'll conquer at last in the fight. 

So I'll just brush aside each annoyance, 
As a summer breeze blows away flies, 

I will banish all fear and keep up good cheer, 
And will live down all slander and lies. 



84 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



PROGRESS 

THE bugle blast of Progress is sounding in the air; 
The music of a grand advance is sounding everywhere. 
Mankind are marching onward, as new victories are won, 
"The triumph of the ages" shrinks, before what's being done. 

The human mind's expanding and new fields of facts are trod, 
The uplift of humanity is trending tow'rd its God. 
Man to man is getting nearer, the days of hate are past, 
And the future's bright with promise, magnificent and vast. 

The mighty stride of science now no limit seems to know, 
Around the belted globe men's minds with ardor seem aglow ; 
Inventive genius brings to light facts hitherto unknown. 
The scope of man's intelligence has vastly broader grown. 

Man walks the earth and spans the seas and sails the upper air. 
And leaps the barriers that bound the good old days that were. 
With lightning like rapidity truth strikes old errors dead. 
And this good old world is forging most mightily ahead. 

The old men marvel, wondering at what's already done, 
The young men of the present day will see new vict'ries won. 
Nothing seems impossible to the God-like mind of man. 
It appears but a development of the Creator's plan. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 85 



ALWAYS SMILING 

ALWAYS smiling, 
And others would smile when they met her; 
On her sweet, pretty face, 
A frown never had place, 

And no one who met could forget her. 

Always cheerful, 

She rose above trouble and sorrow; 
If you met her when sad. 
You would come away glad, 

And happier be on the morrow. 

Always content. 

Accepted what came with submission. 
She taught others to try. 
Adverse fate to defy. 

To cheer up her friends seemed her mission. 

Always patient. 

She never was found in a flurry, 
But she just done her best, 
And believed that the rest 

Would all come out right without worry. 



86 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



MY MOTHER 

PASSED away in the fullness of years, 
Passed to a life immortal ; 
Passed to a land unknown to tears. 
Passed beyond sorrow or grief or fears, 
Entered the "Pearly Portal." 

Nearly a century's span had fled, 

Covering her with its glory, 
Ere it was whispered "Mother is dead," 
She who my footsteps so often had led 

When life was a song and story. 

Fully respected by all she knew, 

Quietly doing her duty. 
To God and herself was always true. 
Her joys were many, her wants were few. 

And her life was one of beauty. 

Her little cottage her castle seemed. 

Her joy was her little garden, 
With buds and flowers its pathways teemed. 
And her face with radiance always beamed 
That the years had failed to harden. 

She has passed away. I'll not forget 
The gentle face of my mother ; 

Her memory lingers with me yet, 

A coronet with bright jewels set. 
And brighter than any other. 



My Mother, 

Died Oct 26th, 1907, 

In the ninety-second year of her age. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 87 



MOTHER 

WHO DIED OCTOBER 26th, I907, 
IN THE NINETY-SECOND YEAR OF HER AGE 

NEARLY a century old 
Ere the Master called her home. 
Ere the Shepherd gathered her into His fold, 
Ere the Angel led her through "Streets of Gold," 
Ere she entered the realm of joys untold, 
Never henceforth to roam. 

Nearly a century fled, 

Ere she heard the welcome call. 
And took the hand of a guide who led 
Past the gloomy portals of the dead 
To a "land of light and joy" ahead, 

.Within the "jasper wall." 

Cycles of centuries now 

Will pass without thought of age. 
Before her King, with the ransomed she'll bow, 
With robe of white and a crown on her brow, 
By the "River of Life" will know just how 

God guided her pilgrimage. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



BOBBIE 

HAVE you ever seen our little Bobbie B.? 
He's as sweet and cute and lively as can be. 
He will chatter all the day, 
He can romp and run and play. 
He's the pride and joy and pet of Grandma T. 

He's a perfect little beauty of a boy, 

Fills his mamma's and his papa's heart with joy. 
He is scarcely six years old, 
Yet he's worth his weight in gold. 

And as pure as any gem without alloy. 

He has soft and silken wavy flaxen hair. 
And has features as a cherub's, just as fair; 

While his eyes are diamond bright 

Like the star gems of the night, 
And his little life has never known a care. 

May the future of his years as happy be ; 

May he grow up great and good, from sorrow free, 

Win a high and honored name 

On the lasting "Scroll of Fame," 
Is the wish and prayer of his dear Grandpa T. 



To my little Grandson. Bobbie Blackwell. 
Brooklyn, Jan. 24th, 1907. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 89 

BOBBIE AND CLINTON 

BOBBIE'S a little man not six years old, 
Clinton, a baby, nine months or more here. 
Both of them fashioned in beauty's bright mold, 

Both to my heart are exceedingly dear. 
Bobbie already can plainly talk, 

While Clinton can simply smile and crow; 
But Clinton soon will begin to walk, 

And big as his brother then will grow. 

Clinton's cheeks are like velvet, eyes as bright 
As the twinkling stars of a summer night; 
His lips are like cherries, ripe, rosy, red. 
And softest of flaxen hair crowns his head. 
Clinton and Bobbie are sweet as can be. 
Both are the idols of Grandma and me. 
May Time deal gently with both in its flight, 
Crowning their future with radiant light. 

To Bobbie and Clinton Blackwell. 

My little Grandchildren, 

Written Feb. 2, 1907. 



D 



CHEER UP 



DN'T forget that sorrow 



Is just as fleeting as joy; 
'Twill pass away to-morrow 

Without a thought to annoy. 

Old age has compensations 

In the brighter days ahead, 

And life has sunny stations 

When the hour of grief has sped. 

Cheer up, be not despondent, 

Though sorrow may come, 'twill go. 
The heart will be respondent 

To joy as you older grow. 



90 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

STILL YOUNG 

I THOUGHT that Sixty would find me old, 
But I'm Sixty-eight already; 
The spring of my life has not grown cold, 

And my step is firm and steady. 
My mental vision's as bright as when 

I had topped the age of Fifty; 
My mind as clear as ever it's been, 
And my business quite as thrifty. 

Now I have placed my limit of years 

Close up to or over a hundred; 
By careful living, I have no fears 

Of growing infirm, as some dread. 
I know that my eyes will dimmer grow, 

A little more hard of hearing, 
Less vigor of life I'll surely show 

When a hundred years I'm nearing. 

But my heart will be as warm as now, 

And my conscience just as tender; 
My soul with the love of right shall glow, 

And when truth's assailed, defend her. 
So I never think of growing old 

In the sense of ever dropping 
The fight for the principles I hold, 

Or my mental progress stopping. 

But I love at times to backward glance, 

For memory's paths are golden ; 
While there comes at times, unsought, perchance. 

Sweet comfort from days now olden. 
I traverse the years that now have flown 

With more of joy than of sorrow, 
Speak of their griefs in an undertone. 

And calmly await the morrow. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

TEMPER 

HER lips were as red as ripe cherries, 
Her cheeks like a peach in full bloom; 
Her eyes like the "stars of the midnight," 
Her breath like the richest perfume. 
The crown on her head was her tresses 

Of rich and luxuriant hair, 
And nothing in art or in nature 

Could with her rare beauty compare- 
But her Temper was just simply awful. 

Her form was an ideal Venus, 

Her step as a zephyr as light ; 
She moved with the grace of a fairy. 

Was witty, intelligent, bright. 
Her smile was bewitchingly lovely, 

Her song like a nightingale's sweet ; 
The touch of her hand was like velvet, 

She always dressed pretty and neat — 

But her Temper was just simply awful. 

She married a man of ambition, 

But who had a will of his own; 
She dreamed as a queen she was seated 

Securely on Love's perfect throne. 
It happened one day that they differed 

On some minor question of life, 
And finding her wishes were thwarted, 

Stirred up a whole ocean of strife — 

For her Temper was just simply awful. 

They parted and now are unhappy. 
The court granted one a divorce. 

The pathway of each in the future 
Will lie in a different course. 



91 



92 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

And this could as well been averted, 

The blight of two lives have been saved, 

Had she not as result of blind passion, 
So foolishly thus misbehaved — 

But her Temper was just simply awful. 



"CHINEE" 

IF to save the soul of a "Chinee" 
One must stand on the brink of Hell 
And sacrifice maidenly virtue, 

"The old story of Christ" to tell, 
'Twould be better by far, I'm thinking, 

That the story remain untold, 
And the "Chinee" be left to practice 
The creed of his ancestors old. 

Why is it that maidenly beauty 

Is sought Orientals to teach? 
Is it that the female attraction 

Draws more than the Gospel they preach ? 
Oh, why should we taint snowy virtue 

With lure of the eye of a "chink," 
Combined with his oily demeanor, 

Hiding what he may really think. 

If Chinamen must be converted. 

It seems that a much wiser plan 
Would be then to give them as teachers. 

In place of each woman, a man. 
All deviltry then would be throttled, 

The "Chinee" his willy ways quit. 
The Christianized "Chinaman" real, 

And not a mere vile hypocrite. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 93 

HON. STEWART L. WOODFORD 

THE sunlight plays o'er waters blue 
From here to distant Spain, 
And favoring seas have safely brought 

Our Woodford home again. 
No heart but throbs with fond delight 

To grasp his welcome hand, 
For all his acts fresh luster shed 
Upon his native land. 

When but a few brief months ago 

We bade him all Godspeed, 
We knew him just the man to fill 

The place in case of need. 
The even tenor of his way 

Dispelled all thought of fear; 
On him the nation could rely 

With peace or danger near. 

He filled his place with dignity, 

With Spanish nobles sat, 
And showed the "Dons" what sterling worth 

Was in our diplomat. 
Through all the worry, strain and care 

That came with each new plan 
He proved himself in every sense 

A high born gentleman. 

We welcome him for what he did. 

For what he left undone. 
For seeking peace, nor fearing war. 

For fame he nobly won ; 
For representing in its might 

Our nation's noble stand. 
And honoring in all his words 

His own dear native land. 



94 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

We welcome him for courage shown, 

For judgment keen and rare, 
For ripe diplomacy that stops 

At naught to do or dare. 
We welcome him to home and friends 

For honor fairly won. 
We welcome him with all our hearts 

As Brooklyn's honored son, 
And should he go away again, 

We offer this refrain: 
"Our hearts will follow all the way 

His trip from here to Spain." 

The times have changed, grim war's alarms 

Are sounding o'er the sea; 
The mandate echoing o'er the waves, 

Says: "Cuba shall be free." 
That we shall crush the fleets of Spain, 

Is not an idle boast ; 
"Sampson" and "Schley" are men of nerve, 

And know the Cuban coast. 
Their guns shall crumble every fort. 

Despite of Spanish "brag," 
And over all in triumph wave. 

Fair Freedom's Starry Flag. 

No foot of soil shall Spain possess 

Upon this continent; 
Justice shall drive her from our shores, 

And all her crimes resent. 
Her past is one of darkest deeds, 

Of cruelty and shame. 
Now, deep in dark oblivion. 

We'll write her tarnished name. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 95 

The echoing "boom" of Dewey's guns 

To every nation seems 
That Yankee grit and pluck are more 

Than simple idle dreams. 
The Philippines henceforth are ours, 

We'll keep them, too, 'tis plain ; 
We need them, to fore'er keep green, 

The Mem'ry of "The Maine." 

America is leading now 

The nations of the world ; 
On every sea, in every clime, 

Her banner is unfurled. 
Her name a synonym of "right," 

Commands the loftiest praise 
And guarantees fair freedom's boon, 

Through all the future days. 



Our country, land of all the earth, the one to us most fair, 
Where high and low and rich and poor, breathe Freedom's 

holy air, 
Where the poor man is the peer of the wealthiest in the land. 
And the only test demanded is an honest heart and hand. 
May thy banner freely wave in its majesty and might, 
The exemplar of true freedom and symbol pure of right. 
That the nations from afar as they gaze from o'er the sea. 
May honor Thee, Columbia, land of the brave and free. 

Read at a dinner given to Hon. Stewart L. Woodford 
on his return to America as former Minister to Spain, 
May, 1898. 



96 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

OURSELVES VERSUS OTHERS 

HAVE you ever applied the same standard 
To yourself as you judge others by, 
Does the rule that you make for their guidance 

To yourself in your own life apply? 
Just examine your heart for a moment — 
Are you honest and candid and true. 
In your business and other vocations 

Do you do as you'd have others do? 

Does your conscience applaud what your tongue says, 

Are you doing what honor demands, 
Scorning hypocrisy, wrong and deceit. 

Living up to what duty commands? 
It is well we at times ask these questions 

Of ourselves when communing alone, 
And thus try to correct any weakness. 

Not in lives of our friends, but our own. 



DON'T WORRY 

DON'T worry, don't fret; 
It never paid a mortal yet. 
Do your best, then wait, 

And leave the rest to hope or fate. 

Like farmer, plant seed, 

Though with the grain there comes some weed ; 
Constant toil, will win, 

And fertile soil brings harvest in. 

Keep cheerful, keep bright. 

Having always the end in sight ; 
Keep up pluck, hold fast. 

You'll find that luck will come at last. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 97 

A LESSON 

HIS wages were small, but he did his work 
In a masterly kind of way, 
He had often wanted but feared to ask 

His employer to raise his pay. 
He needed each dollar that he could get, 

'Twas by closest frugality 
That he managed at all to get along 
In supporting his family. 

He was earning twice what he really got, 

But he hated to make a change. 
With a possible fear he'd fail to win 

In a place that was new and strange ; 
So he kept right on with his "skin flint" boss 

Till the day that his old boss died. 
And then out in the world he pushed his way. 

For ambition had touched his pride. 

Well, it was not long ere he found that life 

Was wearing a rosier hue, 
For the quick return he got for his work 

Was more nearly what was his due. 
He very soon learned to ask and demand 

What his skilled work really was worth. 
And from being a half-paid daily drudge, 
Was the happiest man on earth. 

We may learn by this that the only way 

To succeed is never to fear; 
Use the strength and brain that the good Lord gave. 

And never faint hearted appear. 
Guide your own ship on the ocean of life. 

Your own steady hand at the helm, 
And compel all mankind to act tow'rd you 

As they want you to act tow'rd them. 



98 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

"OLD— YOUNG" 

Two classes of men we meet each day, 
First, men who will never grow old, 
Over whose features a smile will play, 

And will never get sour or cold. 
The other is that of young men old. 

Whose faces are wrinkled and worn, 
Whose shrivelled hearts no sympathy hold. 
Who always seem sad and forlorn. 

The first are welcomed in every place. 

They scatter bright sunlight about, 
Always are seen with a radiant face 

And are ready to sing or to shout. 
The others are seen with downcast look, 

Are borrowing trouble each hour; 
They never above their gloom can rise, 

And are crabbed, morose and sour. 

There's joy enough in this world of ours, 

If we only would think it so; 
The fields are covered with perfumed flowers. 

And the days with the sunshine glow. 
The heart should beat in unison sweet 

To the joys we can claim our own. 
Each stormy cloud with a rainbow meet, 

And old age will to youth have grown. 

Resolve the future shall bright appear, 

And the days that were sad forget; 
Let cheerfulness crown each passing year. 

Decide you'll not worry or fret. 
Just do your duty in manly way. 

While you cheerfully hope and wait. 
And all about you others will say, 

'Tis such men we should emulate. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 99 



THE MICROSCOPE 

THIS wonderful little instrument, 
Of great importance deemed, 
Has discovered thickly peopled worlds 

Of which man never dreamed. 
The myriad forms of moving life. 

Unseen by naked eye, 
Most marvelous to the mind appears, 
Whence come they, when and why. 

Our thoughts are lost in wonderment 

When, looking up, we see, 
By the aid of Telescopic power, 

Worlds in immensity. 
While groveling in the dust of earth, 

Minute infinity, 
Outnumbering far the upper worlds, 

A moving mass we see. 

God of the myriad worlds above, 

Of myriads below, 
Unveil the mysteries of Thy power, 

That man may wiser grow. 
Amazed, in awe, we wondering stand, 

But cannot comprehend 
The mystery vast of One without 

Beginning or of end. 



100 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



OUR CLUB OF SIX JOLLY GOOD FELLOWS 

i ^ A DMIRAL TOLKAMP," we all will agree, 
r\ No jollier "salt" ever sailed the blue sea. 
While "Messiter," calm, serene and sedate 
As "judge," only lacks the ensigna of state. 
"Seth Fox" as a "colonel" a phalanx would lead, 
And would always prove true in a crisis of "need." 
While "Rollins," "professor" at handling a "cue," 
In all of his friendships has ever proved true. 
"Blackwell," the "banker," we'll call him "Grand Duke," 
In billiards we never have known him to fluke. 
And last, that man "Tread well," who must have forgot, 
If ever he knew, how to make a good shot. 



Well the years have rolled on, we are none of us boys, 

Yet we've all culled from life a fair share of its joys ; 

We would frown if called old, though with some 'tis a "fad,' 

For each of us feel that we're yet quite a "lad." 

"Three score and ten" by the sages we're told, 

If the heart is kept young, does not make a man old. 

Every cloud, howe'er dark, has a lining of light, 

And the Day-God shall ever succeed the black night. 

Let us dread not the future, the present is ours, 

Let us cull from life's garden the choicest of flowers; 

Let us do much of good as we journey along, 

And cheer those about us with sunshine and song; 

And then bye-and-bye, when the angel shall say, 

" 'Tis enough," we shall enter Eternity's day. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 101 



TEMPTATION 



FOR lack of temptation some people are good, 
While fiercest temptations have others withstood. 
Some stand on the brink only waiting the chance, 
While others resist as with warrior's lance. 
Some natures are weak, have no power to resist, 
While easy for others from wrong to desist. 
Crime feeds on man's weakness, and misery brings 
Hurrah to the man who to principle clings. 

Law keeps some men right who would otherwise stray, 
The vilest of men are sometimes old and gray ; 
The fear of exposure keeps other men right, 
'Gainst vicious surroundings some men have to fight. 
Not often temptation will come to some men, 
To others the struggle a hard one has been. 
The trend of most minds is tow'rd what is evil, 
Resist, if you're firm, you'll conquer the devil. 



TO LOUISE 

YOU'VE asked me to write in your Album 
So that you can on some future day 
Recall to your mind the existence 

Of a man who is now old and gray. 
Well, here goes. 
But who knows 
But what fair Louise, you'll be gray, 

Ere 
The writer himself's passed away. 



102 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

GLADYS McKIRNAN 

AGE TEN YEARS 

C(\TTITH a little help from mother," 

VV Thus the little maiden said, 
When the very busy Editor 

Her composition read. 
"Without outside aid" the teacher 

Unwittingly had wrote. 
But Gladys scratched it out and penned 

This truthful little note. 

You have gained a prize already 

In the plaudits of the Just, 
For we all now love you, Gladys, 

With your simply faith and trust. 
'Twas not in you to dissemble, 

The truth you would not smother, 
You wrote out your composition 

"With a little help from mother." 

Each requirement you had heeded, 

You'd complied with every rule, 
"With a little help from mother" 

Aiding what you'd learned at school. 
Every line was neatly written 

By yourself, and not another, 
And 'twas your own composition, 

"With a little help from mother." 

Thank you for this frank confession, 

You've a grand example set, 
And the lesson you have taught us 

We can never quite forget. 
Take the Prize we freely yield you 

In the tenderness of youth. 
As the little Standard bearer 

Of the precious Jewel — Truth. 

Gladys McKirnan, a contestant in 
a school competition in composition. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 103 



PRIDE 

THE Devil himself could never match 
Some men in their terrible pride; 
His inspiration they seem to catch, 

As over their fellows they ride. 
They feed on glitter and gloat on glare, 

While conceit is the force that rules ; 
Little they think and little they care 
That pride is the fodder of fools. 

But there's such a thing as manly pride 

That prompts to a nobler life. 
Scatters beneficence far and wide, 

Stops the stream of turbulent strife ; 
That glories in doing all it can 

In a quiet, unselfish way, 
In dignifying the life of man 

And diffusing Hope's brighter ray. 

A pride in trying to emulate 

The best in the present and past, 
To turn back the tide of adverse fate, 

And to deaden misfortune's blast, 
A pride that is born of high desire, 

Each duty to meet and discharge, 
That fills the soul with a holy fire 

To make better the world at large. 



104 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

FLORA 

GOD'S fiat placed the brilliant stars in the rounded dome 
of night, 
Then He pencilled earth's broad surface with the flower 

garlands bright. 
The flowers "neither toil nor spin," but they make the world 

more fair 
And they scatter light and fragrance as it floats on perfumed air. 
They tint the meadows velvet green, with a wealth of light 

and gold, 
While billowy waves of scarlet, blue and purple are unrolled. 

The stately Lilies, virgin like, with eyes of radiant glow, 
Stand in their saintly purity, white as the untrodden snow. 
Red Roses flushed with genial warmth and glowing in every fold 
Yield nectar from their ruby lips, and rarer than vintage old. 
The Daisy, once our childhood's flower, with its silver crest 

is seen. 
And its golden button blossoming, wherever fields are green. 

Then the Clover, white and purple, how it fills the air with sweets 
As the honey bee sips nectar in the summer noontide heats. 
The country would lose half its charm should it lose its clover 

bloom. 
And the air would miss the fragrance of its delicate perfume. 
'Twas pleasant when a child to see the Buttercups smile and nod 
As dainty feet in gleeful play went romping over the sod. 

Next to the Rose the Peerless Pink, as queen of the garden reigns, 
Growing in rich profusion there or skirting the shady lanes. 
If we call the royal Rose a queen. Pinks must princesses be, 
Whether scarlet, white or varied hue, they're ever fair to see. 
The happy lovers' favorite flower is sweet Forget-me-not, 
Wherever it blooms, to many swains, is a most hallowed spot. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 105 

From the bosom of the placid lake the Water-lilies gleam 
Wide awake in the morning light, though at night they sleep 

and dream. 
The Purple Aster buds and blooms on banks of the babbling 

brook 
Or hides away in the quiet of some lone and shady nook. 
The glim'ring blaze of the Golden Rod swaying in golden bloom, 
Gracefully tossing to passing breeze its stately yellow plume. 

The Jasmine and the Hyacinth, and the early Daffodil, 
The Cowslip and the Marigold, and the Woodbine, sweeter still ; 
Then the Tulip and the Tuberose, the Verbena, Asphodel, 
'Neath the bloom of the Magnolia, we would be content to dwell. 
The Heliotrope and Mignonette, we remember them of old, 
And the lovely white Chysanthemum braving both heat and cold. 

Oh, flowers, sweet flowers, ye catch the gleam of the morning 

sunbeams bright, 
Your fragrant blossoms reflect at eve the sunset's softened light. 
Ye teach us lessons of purity, a language sweet ye speak. 
The God who made and fashioned you through blossom and 

bud we seek. 
The wisdom of Him who made you we trace in each leaf and vine, 
For your radiant glowing beauty was pencilled by hand Divine. 



106 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

DON'T 

DON'T crowd your fellow worker down 
Whenever you get a chance ; 
Don't meet your neighbor with a frown 

Or a cold disdainful glance. 
He may have been unfortunate, 

As sometime you may be, 
A fickle creature's the Goddess Fate, 
And the future none foresee. 

Be genial, pleasant, kind and true, 

Regardless of whom you meet ; 
Sincere in everything you do. 

But in word and act discreet. 
Don't stoop to deeds or thought of wrong 

Or pander to passions low. 
Then life will prove a constant song, 

And your heart with joy o'erflow. 



FOR AN ALBUM 
To 

NOW that writing in an album has become so commonplace, 
Sure, I wouldn't e'en attempt it. had you not a pretty face ; 
While your manners are so winning and so pleasing what you say, 
That I cannot find it in my heart, in your case, to say nay. 

So here's a little couplet — 

JMay the brightness of your eyes. 
Your winning smile shed radiance 

Like the light of sunny skies. 
Cheer up all those who know you 

As along through life you go, 
Your heart keep pure and spotless 

As the whitest flakes of snow. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 107 

CHRONOLOGICAL 

THE "Telegraph" Invention came in "eighteen forty-four," 
The astronomers found "Neptune" the following two 
years more. 

In "eighteen forty-seven" came the War with "Mexico," 

While "California's" gold, in "forty-eight," commenced to show. 

The first gold from "Australia" came in "eighteen fifty-one," 
And the output of its mines has exceeded many a ton. 

The opening of "Japan" occurred in "eighteen fifty-four," 
And the "G. O. P." the same year was born, if nothing more. 

"Secession" in the South took place in "eighteen sixty-one," 
And around the world was echoed the sound of "Sumter's" gun. 

Then "Lincoln's Proclamation" came in "eighteen sixty-two," 
Emancipating all the Slaves, the Union to renew. 

In "sixty-six" the "Cable" o'er the ocean floor was laid, 
The fame of Cyrus Field, it seems, by this one fact, was made. 

The famed "Suez Canal" in "sixty-nine" was opened wide, 
And ships now sail to India on its most placid tide. 

In "eighteen seventy" was fought the "Battle of Sedan," 

And Bismarck and Von Moltke, too, were cheered by every man. 

This same year the "Third Republic" of "Sunny France" 

was born, 
While from her banners every sign of Monarchy was torn. 

Proud Germany was unified in "eighteen seventy-one," 
A natural result from what its victory had won. 



108 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

In "eighteen seventy-seven" occurred the "Russo-Turkish War,' 
The trouble in the Orient all Europe seemed to jar. 

The clash 'tween modern Iron-clads first came in "seventy-nine/ 
Which proved the doom of what were known as "Frigates 
of The Line." 

"Nihilism" showed its head in "eighteen eighty-one," 

And earned the curse of all mankind as each vile deed was done. 

The same year England claimed control of Egypt and the Nile, 
And tried to dictate policies in most imperious style. 

While from "eighty-one" to "ninety" consolidation seemed 
To build a nationality for which all Germans dreamed. 

In "ninety-four" the war occurred 'tween China and Japan, 
While Italy's hold in Africa in "ninety-six" began. 

In "ninety-seven" the war cloud rose in Turkey and in Greece, 
But terminated as we think in a long lasting Peace. 

The Battle of Manila Bay was fought in "ninety-eight," 
While "Dewey" won his laurels in a triumph, grand and great. 

The same year in Santiago, vain Spanish pride was clipped, 
The proud Castilian colors to our "Starry Flag" were dipped. 

"Hawaii" was annexed to us in "eighteen ninety-eight," 
And the progress of the Islands from then began to date. 

The first "Peace Conference at the Hague" was held in 

"ninety-nine," 
Next year, through "Boer" and "Boxer" Wars, fresh flowed 

the battle's wnne. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 100 

Since then "The Panana Canal," the war 'twixt "Czar" and "Jap,' 
With Httle old "Corea" blotted from the modern map. 

The Russian "Douma" came at last, progressive in its plan. 
To give increasing influence and liberty to man. 

"Norway" and "Sweden" now are ruled by independent kings, 
While "Turkey's" Parliament has brought an order new of things. 

"State and Church" are separate at last in "Sunny" France, 
Some think the interests of both will rapidly advance. 

The "Automobile" came to stay, and new on every hand 
We see it speeding like the wind all over our broad land. 

The "Wireless Telegraphy'" came in "nineteen hundred one," 
When man's inventive genius a new triumph then had won. 

"The navigation of the air" seems just about achieved, 
The latest new "Aeroplane" will do it, it's believed. 

Thousands of new inventions have now come to bless mankind, 
We're living in the "Golden Age" when matter yields to mind. 

The wonders of "The Telephone" still undeveloped seem, 
Though already what's accomplished seems like some fairy dream. 

Intelligence is lifting men to wondrous heights of power, 
While nothing in the world's great Past equals the present hour. 



110 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

SLEEP 

HOW welcome to the wearied brain 
Comes sweet refreshing sleep, 
Drowns care in deep forgetfulness, 
And dries the eyes that weep; 
Breathes balm upon the lonely one, 

And gives the soul bright gleams 
Of blest content and restfulness 

That come with pleasant dreams. 

Oh, magic sleep, thy kingdom lies 

Beyond our waking hours ; 
The slave there oft' in fancy dwells 

In grand palatial towers. 
The lordly rich and humble poor. 

The shepherd and the king. 
The "monarch of the night," sweet sleep. 

To common level bring. 

Care charmer sleep, son of the night, 
With healing wings ye come, 
For hungry, food, for thirsty, drink, 

And speech for lips erst dumb. 
Warmth for the chilled and joy for grief, 

E'en lame can walk and leap, 
All is possible in thy realm. 

Balmy refreshing sleep. 

Brother to death, yet linked to life 

With resurrective powers, 
From the valley of blissful rest 

We rise to waking hours. 
Oh, what would weary mortals do, 

The strength of health to keep. 
If when the busy day is o'er, 

There came no welcome sleep. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 111 

OPTIMISTIC 

BE optimistic, expect to win, 
Pessimism to failure is kin; 
Leave nothing to chance but press right on, 
CompelHng results 'til vict'ry's won. 
Obstacles yield to the man who dares. 
There's naught in the world with grit compares. 
Don't look for ease,, it will come to you 
If straight to the line awhile you hew. 

The mighty strides in the world's advance 
Are fruits of effort and not of chance ; 
As centuries waned and years swept on, 
The fight for progress was fought and won. 
Greater achievements are just ahead. 
The march of science by genius led. 
Though wonderful as the past has seemed, 
Will develop facts as yet undreamed. 

The golden age of the world is now, 
We're marching up to the mountain's brow; 
And soon from its crest we'll see afar 
Limitless fields of destiny's star. 
Ambition will make the past seem dead 
Compared with the triumphs just ahead; 
The brain of man's a divining rod. 
And proves he is the "image of God." 

We're catching glimpses of things to be. 

Of grander glories we yet shall see. 

There's rifts in the clouds whence gleams the light 

Of wonders transcendentally bright. 

For ere many years shall come and wane 

Things that are hidden will be made plain; 

And man will control in earth and air 

A kingdom to which he's justly heir. 



112 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



THE BOSS 

IF you happen to be Boss, 
Pray don't show it. 
No use acting queer and cross 

'Cause you know it. 
You may tumble down some day, 
Some one else may have his say. 
Then the De'il will be to pay, 
While you "toe" it. 

You may be a Boss in fact 
O'er your brothers. 
Don't forget a little tact 

Discord smothers. 
You can rule if you elect 
So as to command respect, 
Or your efforts may be wrecked, 
Bossing others. 

There's an easy way to rule 

If you try it. 
Do not be a "kicking mule," 

Naught's gained by it. 
Kindly treat those under you, 
Never make a man feel blue. 
Then you'll likely find men true — 

Just apply it. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 113 



INGRATITUDE 

A MONSTROUS thing's ingratitude, 
In basest hearts it rears its brood, 
A noisesome weed that's often found 
Cursing otherwise fertile ground ; 
While gratitude like lovely rose 
Is fairest human flower that grows. 
Ingratitude reproaches brings, 
Thankfulness soars on joyful wings. 

Far worse than other taints of sin, 

Ingratiude to crime is kin, 

While gratitude for kindness given, 

Gives life a little glimpse of heaven. 

Ingratitude has heart of stone. 

Makes countless thousands weep and moan ; 

While gratitude the parent's been 

Of all the virtues known to men. 

The grateful heart no envy knows, 
Its peace serene with gladness glows. 
A heart may feel though lips are dumb, 
Emotion may all speech o'ercome. 
Ungrateful is the man who lives. 
Receiving all and nothing gives ; 
But with a God-like soul imbued. 
Is he who's filled with gratitude. 



114 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



BE A I\IAN 

BE a man in all your actions. 
Not a cringing crawling worm, 
Whate'er may be the attractions 
Be to truth and honor firm. 
Maintain a proper dignity, 

Do not lose your self esteem, 
For a little brief advantage 
Is but a delusive dream. 

Do not look or ask for favors. 

But demand what's right and just, 
Do not stoop to whate'er savors 

Of unrighteousness or lust. 
Let your aim be high and lofty, 

All your purposes be true, 
And your actions be so noble 

Men will yield you praise that's due. 

Be a man among your fellows. 

Not in least subservient, 
Not imperious or haughty, 

But inspired by right intent. 
Quick to aid a friend who's needy, 

Ready to forgive a foe ; 
But as ever always ready 

To hurl back an unjust blow. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 115 

BILLY B. 

OLD Vermont has spoken, have you heard it, 
Billy B.? 
How the solid old time spirit stirred it, 

Billy B.? 
Did the patriotic verdict your fiery ardor cool? 
Have you learned that Demagog'ry the people cannot fool? 
Has the thunder of the votes shown you that "the people rule," 

Billy B.? 

The record, it was great, did you read it, 

Billy B.? 

The lesson it should teach, will you heed it, 

Billy B.? 

Did you note that all your "isms" were not forgotten quite. 

And that all your past weird errors were dragged up to the light. 

To squelch your foolish vagaries, the people rose in might, 

Billy B.? 

The present mask you're wearing did not hide, 

Billy B. 
The inconsistent hobbies that you ride, 

Billy B. 
The result in old Vermont proved the Nation's not gone daft. 
In public as in private life there'll be no chance for graft. 
The Country has done well enough, 'twill better do with "Taft/ 

Billy B. 

Your new discovered issues fail to charm, 

Billy B. 
Your eloquence, though windy, does no harm, 

Billy B. 
The verdict of the Nation will be what Vermont just gave, 
You'll be buried 'neath an avalanche ; naught you do can save, 
Both "Capital" and "Labor" will unite to dig your grave, 

Billy B. 

Written on the news of Vermont's State Election, ' 
which went Republican. In the Fall of 1908. 



116 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



WAITING 

THERE is nothing so weary as waiting 
When there's nothing else left you to do ; 
When a friend fails to keep an appointment 

And just leaves you to worry and "stew." 
It may be you have other engagements 

While you're waiting the laggard to see, 
So of all your long list of acquaintance, 
You despise none more bitter than he. 

\\'hile your time is all wasted, your temper, 

By degrees, gets beyond your control, 
And anathemas loaded with rancor 

Will successively mentally roll. 
Why, oh, why, when one makes an appointment 

Does he often so carelessly act. 
When for ninety-nine times in a hundred 

He could just as well keep it in fact. 

There are some men born careless and thoughtless. 

And they go all through life in that way, 
So that not the least bit of reliance 

Can be placed on a thing they may say. 
Sure the world would be better without them, 

They're the "driftwood'' on life's rapid stream. 
And they have no more weight or importance 

Than a "midsummer nidit's" troubled dream. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 111" 



MARVELOUS 

SCIENTISTS tell us this World, at least, 
Is five hundred million years old. 
If such is a fact, 
"Great Scat," wasn't old Moses sold. 

Two hundred and forty thousand years 
Since man was created, they tell. 

Well, maybe it's so, 
But oh ! was Adam first who fell ? 

We're told that recently found remains, 

Just four rnillions of years date back, 

The "Diplodocus" 
Or "wus," just give old rules a "whack." 

That human remains from Europe's Alps, 

Are one hundred thousand years old. 

We won't say they lie, 
But my, why didn't they turn to mold. 

That Egypt's recorded history 

Goes back fully ten thousand years. 

We know this is true, 
But "whew," how marvelous all appears. 



118 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



DO YOU KNOW HIM 

WITHOUT any creed but his lust, 
The God that he worshipped was self; 
His fellows might live on a crust, 

If he could but rake in the pelf. 
He'd smile like an "Angel of light," 

If but to accomplish his end ; 
His revenge, a withering blight, 

He cared not for foe or for friend. 

He believed in naught but himself, 

All others were liars or worse ; 
The Goddess he worshippd was wealth, 

Mankind he would inwardly curse. 
His face was a mask to the world, 

His words, those of honeyed deceit; 
Like a serpent all coiled and curled. 

He'd strike at whoever he'd meet. 

His soul was all shrivelled with hate. 

He looked on his fellows with scorn ; 
His gospel was founded on fate, 

His conscience all tattered and torn. 
And often I've thought if 'twas true 

That Demons incarnate walked earth, 
For some of the men that I knew 

Were certainly Devils from birth. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 119 



On Receipt of a Barrel of Potatoes from My Friend, 
Mr. Seelev, of Southampton, L. I. 

My Dear Seeley: 

THE "potatoes" were duly received, and are better 
Than any I ever have "ate" — hence this letter. 
They were round, plump and fat, as clean as a whistle, 
To thank you for them, I indite this "epistle." 

We have tried them in "boiling," in "roasting" and "fried," 

That they're fine in "hash browned," cannot well be denied. 

When they're served up in "salad" with onions, they're grand, : 

But with me, when they're "mashed," they're in greatest demand. 

To some of my people they are best when they're "creamed," | 

And that such fine potatoes e'er grew, I ne'er dreamed. 

Well, henceforth put me down as your debtor, my friend. 

Old Long Island's all right at its far Eastern end ; 

Surely, if all of the people down there are like you. 

They're the most lib'ral lot that "A. T." ever knew. 

When you come down to Brooklyn again, you and I 

Will just eat the best dinner that money can buy; 

And I'll drink your good health at the time that we dine | 

With a full "flowing bumper" of something — not "wine," 

But till then, think of me, 

As your true friend, 

A. T. 



130 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



KENTUCKY 

WHERE the sweet Magnolia blooms, 
And the Southern-Cross hangs low, 
Where the blocking Bird is singing. 

And the Cotton white as snow, 
Where the days are dreams of bliss. 

And the nights are odorous sweet ; 
Where brave men and fairest women. 

On every hand we meet. 
Where the Love Birds woo and coo 

In the branches of the trees, 
And the fragrance of the gardens 

Floats on perfumed laden breeze ; 
Where all life is full of thrill. 

And the heart is filled with glee, 
And where always is remembered 

The brave days of Chivalry; 
Where the happy Negro sits 

By his lowly Cabin-door, 
And the tinkle of his Banjo 

Keeps him happy evermore ; 
Where the traveler never feels 

He is down upon his luck. 
But with outstretched arms is greeted, 

This is life in old "Kentuck." 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 121 

GLADYS 

THERE was flurry and flutter and whispered words 
And hasty talk hke the chatter of birds ; 
There was laughing and talking and hope and fear, 
Everyone said what a sweet little dear, 
When baby GLADYS came. 

Dear Grandma first trembled, then laughed with joy 
When told the new comer was not a boy ; 
While "Grandpop," and also "Great Grandpop," too, 
Were happiest mortals, ever you knew. 
When baby GLADYS came. 

Now the "Tolkamp" household has one more heir; 
A sweet little darling their love to share. 
'Twould have done your heart good were you there to see 
How Papa and Mamma went wild with glee 
When little GLADYS came. 

GLADYS CURRIE HADDON, 

Granddaughter of Albert E. Tolkamp, Esq. 
Born February Fifth, 1907. 



HUSTLE 

ARE you standing still while the world moves on? 
Just face about and hustle. 
You surely can do what others have done, 

Just make your dry leaves rustle. 
For 'tis effort alone that brings success, 

Not chance or idle dreaming; 
You must mix with the crowd, and onward press. 
Your face with ardor beaming. 

In the battle of life the triumph comes 

By grit and sheer endeavor; 
You must shake the tree if you want the plums. 

And do it now or never. 
For the years of your life are reeling off, 

There's no one else can aid you ; 
Believe in yourself and at failure scoflf, 

For work will not degrade you. 



122 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 



^^'T^HE mightiest of the mighty men who mastered mighty 

1 days," 

The grandeur of his character shines forth in varied ways. 



All undismayed, he seemed to tread the "wine press'' of men's 

wrath, 
Seized opportunities, unseen, and strewed them in his path. 

He never faltered in his faith for the future of this Land, 
And he piloted the Nation with a firm and master hand. 

Hatred and scorn both did their worst, but "dauntless of soul 

was he," 
With infinite patience, tact, and unselfish beyond degree. 

He respected and uplifted men, he feared and loved his God, 
His faith was firm that peace would come after the chastening rod. 

While disaster often saddened, he never felt dismay. 
Through darkest gloom his faith could see the dawn of coming 
day. 

While in hi}n humanity had found a new broad type of man. 
And an "epoch" making period through human history ran. 

His rare and lofty spirit brought him greatness, but not ease, 
And his strong but gentle nature tried both friend and foe to 
please. 

His nature's massive greatness glowed through every act and 

word, 
His speech at Gettysburg, the heart of the whole Nation stirred. 

He had "Moral Might, and Majesty" of the sublimest kind. 
Interpreted Life's mysteries by his intuitive mind. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 123 

"The whitest soul a Nation knew" and a master grand of men, 
His aim was Justice, this he sought by act and word and pen. 

His great heart lacked resentment and from malice he was free, 
While he sympathized with men in their plain humanity. 

Something almost Divinely born in his Patience we can see, 
He followed in his feeble way "The Man of Galilee." 

Unyielding as to principle, inflexible in aim. 

All varying conditions found his purposes the, same. 

Acquainted with humanity he best of all men knew. 

How with infirmities to bear, and help the troubled through. I 

His arguments were candid, while his reasoning was keen, 
Marvelous skill and leadership, in all his acts was seen. 

His power of expression, ancient Parables recoined, 

And proved effective elements when with his humor joined. i 

No word of rancor, violence or hatred uttered he. 

His wit was genial, though at times stinging beyond degree. 

His commanding personality and singleness of aim, 

To all who knew his inner life, a solemn truth became. 

His marked originality and assimilative powers. 

With his magnanimity, above the most of mortals towers. 

Each year the luster of his name with brighter radiance glows. 
While swifter, deeper through our hearts the tide of 
reverence flows. 

"He belongs now to the ages" as the great brave "Stanton" said, 
And keeps his place, the best beloved of all our honored dead. 

Written on the one hundreth Anniversary of the Birth of 
Abraham Lincoln, 1809-1909 



124 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

RUM 

HE knew what was right, 
And he had a mind as bright 
As ever was encased in mortal clay; 
Sober he could think, 
But he had a taste for drink, 

To alcohol he gave himself away. 

He ne'er could say nay 

When temptation came his way, 

His taste for drink had ever proved too strong; 
His friends only laughed 
As the "Hellish" stuff he quaffed, 

But inwardly he knew that he did wrong. 

Ere it was too late. 

Knowing what would be his fate. 

Unless he took a firm and stubborn stand. 
He changed right about. 
Cut the "Demon" drinking out. 

And became a shining light in the land. 

Not a name to-day 

O'er the public has more sway, 

And is loved and respected more by all. 
Now he loves to think 
How he fought the "Demon,"' drink. 

And drove the ugly monster to the wall. 

O'er the world we find 
Rum's a curse to all mankind, 

Twin to ruin where'er it casts its spell ; 
Blights youth's early stage. 
Also rots the props of age. 

Clouds the mind with the nightmare black of Hell. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 135 

PRESS ON 

HE wasn't sure of his winning, 
But he pressed straight on the same, 
Saw smiles of increduHty, 

But his eye was fixed on fame. 
He pushed right on without halting, 
And nothing could stop his pace; 
Each bruise he got seemed to nerve him 
And inspired him for the race. 

And every scar was an "asset" 

Which showed that he could survive ; 
"Knocked over," it did not kill him, 

But made him much more alive. 
He was not praised when he started, 

The men who try, seldom are ; 
But "little folks' " jealous envy 

Could never his courage jar. 

'Tis seldom a single insult 

A winning impulse will chill ; 
A "cold shoulder,''' sometimes given, 

Has never been known to kill. 
Those who expect to be "coddled," 

Looking out for praise and cheer. 
And can't "stand alone," are pitied, 

And life to them must be drear. 

Men must be brave, well as brilliant. 

Ready to fight hard to win ; 
Gates of success are wide open, 

Hills must be climbed to get in. 
Staunch ships outride storm and tempest, 

Though waves like mountain-tops soar ; 
While wrecks of poorly built vessels, 

Are strewn for miles on the shore. 



126 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

DRIFTED APART 

SOME way or other we drifted apart, 
The friend of my early days ; 
There came between us a coldness of heart, 

And both sought different ways. 
The smile that came when we formerly met, 

And the kindly words we spoke, 
Somehow or other we seemed to forget 
As the chain of friendship broke. 

Sometimes I have thought both had "cranky" grown 

Because we were growing old, 
That indifference crept on both unknown, 

As our hearts had both grown cold. 
Neither had given the other offense, 

And neither a harsh word said; 
But the warmth of friendship had waned, and hence 

Indift'erence reigned instead. 

But often I think of the days now past, 

And wonder why things have changed, 
Why Fate should in opposite channels cast, 

And our lives become estranged ; 
And there is no reason under the "sun" 

When all of the tale is told, 
Except that the days of our youth are run, 

And both of us have grown old. 

And now as I ponder and think it o'er. 

It seems strange that it is so. 
For friendship in memory's golden chain 

Should strengthen as old we grow. 
So I cannot but think my friend and I 

Are exceptions to the rule ; 
For it might be otherwise if we'd try. 

With neither a stubborn fool. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 127 



SETH WILLIAM FOX 

GRADUATED FROM CORNELL UNIVERSITY, JUNE 20th, I907 



w 



E'VE lost our genial "Willie," 
The "Willie" of bygone days. 



He is now a "real man," you see, 
Is owner proud of a high degree. 
The twentieth day of June, the date 
He became a full fledged graduate. 

We've lost our genial "Willie," 
But we've found a man instead. 

"Seth William Fox" is our young friend's name, 
'Twill be written on the Scroll of Fame, 
He has both energy, brains and grit. 
Will win by force of natural wit. 

Success to genial "Willie" 

That was, but now "William" is. 

He won his diploma clear and fair, 
Steps out in the world to do and dare; 
We've not a fear but he'll make his mark, 
For his soul's alive with Genius' spark. 



128 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

DRINK 

HE took one glass of Whiskey, 
It made him feel quite frisky, 
So he thought he'd try another glass or two ; 
At first it made him very 
Unusually merry, 

But a drunken "sot" he was when he got through. 

Thus temptation leads men on. 
Till the "Devil's" triumphs won. 

And they've sold their souls for lust or appetite; 
When by but a moment's thought, 
They could see how cheap they're bought. 

And how foolishly they've turned to wrong from right. 

Champagne, Whiskey, Wine and Gin, 
Makes an ocean broad of sin 

On which ships are floated till at last they're lost; 
For the storm will surely come 
As result of drinking Rum, 

Tell me, brother, is the final worth the cost. 

Tell me, ye, who daily sell 
These vile vintages of "Hell." 

How you square your conscience with the laws of truth. 
Ye are clouding prospects bright 
With the gloom and with the blight. 

That is rottening the hopes of age and youth. 

Your vocation's a disgrace, 
You're a blot upon your race, 

And the lucre that you gain is ruin's cost; 
You display a tempting bait, 
While your victim you await, 

But his soul through your connivance will be lost. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 129 

"RIGHT" VS. "FIGHT" IDEA 

?'T^IS said that men with the "bright" idea 
1 And others who have the "right" idea 

Can never succeed 

In time of need 
Like the man who has the "fight" idea. 

But do not forget 

There never was yet 
A battle won with the "wrong" idea, 

But it brought a curse 

And following w^orse 
When the conquered saw the "right" idea. 

Many a man with the "fight" idea 

By "booze" made mad with the "tight" idea, 

Who creates a fuss, 

Gets into a "muss," 
Gets "licked" because of "insane" idea. 

For the man who fights 

Except for his rights, 
Follows the lead of a "wrong" idea. 

And it's no surprise 

To the man who's wise, 
If men go down with the "fight" idea. 

Show me a man with the "right" idea. 
He'd be the one with the "bright" idea; 

He'll never be blind 

To rights of mankind, 
But seldom act on the "fight" idea. 

There's many a way 

In this age and day 
To win over men with "right" idea. 

And when it is done. 

You have proudly won, 
And feel you have used the "bright" idea. 



130 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

DEATH 

THE "Angel of Death" through the valley rode 
With Pestilence in His trail ; 
And he smote the dwellings where wealth abode, 

And sad was the mournful wail. 
The homes of the humble and poor He sought, 

And the world could plainly see 
That for wealth or poverty He cared naught, 
Respecter of none was He. 

Then again Death rode on the wings of war. 

As the giant armies met, 
While the sound of battle was heard afar, 

And the fields with blood were wet. 
When victory crowned the conquering hosts 

Who by lust of fame were led. 
Over their triumph there hovered the ghosts 

Of a hundred thousand dead. 

He came in the hurricane's mighty sweep, 

The billows rose mountain high. 
And many a vessel that sailed the deep 

Went down ere the storm swept by; 
And no tidings came to the waiting wives 

Or children of sailors lost. 
But Death reaped His harvest of human lives, 

Though terrible was the cost. 

This relentless Tyrant has swept the earth 

Since the date when Time was born, 
Regardless of station or age or birth, 

And thoughtless of those who mourn. 
Though conqueror now He shall conquered be, 

As conquering Hosts shall sing. 
At last, "Oh. Grave, where is thy victory," 

"And, oh. Death, where is Thy sting." 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 131 

CHANGE 

HAVE you ever thought of the wonderful change 
In this little old world of ours? 
How the new has succeeded things old and strange , 

And Science developed its powers ; 
How progress has come as the centuries rolled 

With changes both mighty and real, 
While marvelous now are the tales that are told 
And facts that the present reveal. 

The forces of Nature now harnessed by man, 

Unknown in the earlier days. 
The grandest predictions of great minds outran 

In thousands of various ways. 
Mankind has grown free-er from bigotry's chain, 

The status of woman has changed ; 
We look upon ignorance now with disdain 

With Justice and Truth not estranged. 

The barbaric times of the past are no more, 

While civilized culture holds sway; 
And triumph depends not on oceans of gore. 

We're learning a much better way. 
The throbbing of life all about us we feel, 

The whole earth is pregnant to-day 
With lofty ideals that soon shall reveal 

The birth of a still brighter ray. 

Astrology's yielded to Science, and now 

Uncertainty gives way to fact ; 
No more do the Nations to clay Idols bow. 

While tortured by thumbscrew and rack. 
The Laws evolution has driven out force, 

And might is succeeded by right ; 
The age of the tyrant has run its full course, 

While darkness has yielded to light. 



133 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

Diplomacy rules where the sword once supreme 

Dictated the fortunes of men, 
While statesmen, not warriors lance with its gleam, 

Rule all of mankind and its Iven. 
The days of the tribal divisions of man, 

With hatreds and feuds of the past, 
Are merged in a newer more civilized plan 

Under laws based on justice at last. 

The crude simple ways of "The Old Age of Stone," 

Compared with the new "Age of Steel," 
Show how from its infancy mankind has grown, 

But what will the future reveal? 
No final appears to the genius of man. 

Ambition no limit can find, 
While no one the future's horizon can span, 

Man's aim is the "Infinite" mind. 



From tablet of Babylonian clay, 

And the Papyrus of Egypt's Nile, 
To the luminous volumes we read to-day, 

Makes us ponder and think awhile. 
From the songs and the saga of ancient time, 

To the poems of modern birth. 
Seems spanning the darkness with thoughts all sublime 

And bright intellectual worth. 



From the sculptures of Eg}-pt to Rembrant's art, 

And ^Michelangelo we look. 
From Chaldean magic imperfect in part, 

And which modern science forsook. 
From the Sphinx and the Pyramid, grandest then 

In their outline gloomy and gray. 
To London's St. Paul, built by Christopher Wren, 

And the massive Cathedrals to-dav. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 133 

Over fourteen long centuries rolled away 
Since Christ was in Bethlehem born; 

Ere Columbus set sail in the morning gray- 
To follow a hope thought forlorn. 

But personal courage and faith led him on, 
For months every sail was unfurled, 

Till sight of land showed him that victory was won, 
Before him there lay a New World. 

From the fragile canoe of the early years 

To the Iron-clad monster to-day, 
From the weapons of stone and of wooden spears 

To the Cannon and Rifles that slay; 
From arrows though poisoned and handled with skill. 

To the thunderous Mortar's roar, 
From stockade of wood on the top of a hill 

To the fortress upon the shore. 

From the Wigwam-tents and the thatchings of straw, 

To dwellings of marble to-day, 
From raiment the simplest that man ever saw, 

To the present gorgeous array; 
From trail of the savage, to highway and street, 

And roadbeds extended and wide, 
From travel by Pony with blistering feet. 

To comfort of Pullman car ride. 



From Stage Coach to Horse Car, then Trolley car speed, 

Through Subway by lightning express. 
While no thought of danger a moment we heed. 

Though sometimes we wish there were less. 
Ships now cross the ocean in five days or less. 

It took weeks or months heretofore ; 
Our forefathers ne'er could imagine or guess 

By Cable we'd join shore to shore. 



134 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

Oh ! a wonderful thing is the creature man, 

And great as his triumphs have grown ; 
They're but the beginning of wisdom's great plan, 

As all the past ages have shown. 
In the "Image of God" first fashioned and made. 

The most perfect work of God's hand, 
The law of his being he's followed, obeyed. 

With every force at his command. 

The wonders achieved through Electrical power, 

Most marvelous to us appears. 
In line of Man's progress it came as a dower 

To link all the infinite years. 
It seemed as a spark from some deified source 

Which leaped all obstructions and bars, 
And came unopposed on its glittering course 

To aid us to talk with the stars. 



We've conquered all distance on ocean and land ; 

For commerce we've girdled the Globe. 
The problem "of flying" we'll soon understand. 

And other deep mysteries probe. 
The time's not far distant when man shall converse 

With people of far distant stars. 
We'll learn if surroundings from ours are diverse 

On Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. 

'Tween matter and mind, the mysterious link 

For ages has puzzled mankind. 
But as man progresses we certainly think 

The final solution he'll find. 
That both are eternal the scientists claim, 

But matter's inert, while the soul 
As an active, living, unquenchable flame 

With matter exists as a whole. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 135 

We do not believe that the spirit of man, 

While clothed with its body of clay, 
Will ever discover a possible plan 

To converse with friends passed away. 
But that we'll be able at no distant day, 

All unspoken thoughts to divine ; 
We think's beyond question, for somehow the way 

Will come to read your thoughts and mine. 

What happened on earth ere the advent of man, 

We learn from the stratified rock. 
Convulsions of Nature we eagerly scan 

And results of the Earthquake shock. 
Thus times pre-historic are brought to our view, 

As fact after fact comes to light. 
While our minds can compare the old with the new. 

As merged from the blackness of night. 



Researches of Science have opened up wide 

Things heretofore dim and unknown; 
From secrets once hidden the veil's torn aside, 

And workings of Deity shown. 
Of the millions of years our earth rolled in space. 

As part of Creation's great plan, 
We are getting, though slow, still intelligent trace. 

Ere yet it was ready for man. 

The first vegetation that grew on the earth. 

Minutest of animal life, 
The time when the beasts and the birds first had birth, 

And flowers first fragrance was rife. 
All this and much more we can now understand, 

For modern researches have shown 
By imprint on rock and the fossils in sand, 

What never before we had known. 



136 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

Whatever's been gained in the Cycles of Time 

Is a harvest we now can reap ; 
The Twentieth Century's an era sublime. 

And its wisdom profound and deep. 
The knowledge and culture and thought of the past 

Are ours to enjoy and improve; 
And while we are drawing from treasure house vast, 

To higher thought onward we move. 



Though enthralling and vivid is history's page, 

And marvelous though it appears. 
The highest of standards our thoughts now engage, 

We stand on the crown of the years, 
What aims for man's betterment we will improve, 

Learn lessons from failures as well. 
While steadily onward and upward we move, 

In all that is noble excel. 



A thousand historians have written the deeds 

Of men whose immortalized names 
Are those who have fought for humanity's needs, 

Been guided by most lofty aims. 
But future historians wielding the pen. 

Recording the progress then made, 
Of the noble ambitions and doings of men. 

Will throw all the past in the shade. 

Oh ! change is the spirit that's ruling our world. 

Ever has been and ever will be ; 
Its lance tow'rd the future is evermore hurled, 

As years in their course swiftly flee. 
But change is as ever an onward advance. 

And if we but think we will find 
That steps we take forward are not those of chance, 

But lead to the infinite mind. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 137 



SYMPATHY 

A KINDLY look and a word of cheer, 
Will lift full many a soul 
About whose life the surges of care 
And the waves of trouble roll. 
Sympathy, like a tonic, will bring 
New life to a burdened heart. 
Roll back the clouds of darkness and gloom. 
New life and new hope impart. 

]\Iany who stand on the border land 

Of the lake of dark despair; 
But need the touch of a helping hand 

To lift the burden of care. 
'Tis wonderful how some little act 

Inspired by a kindly thought, 
Guided by love and a little tact, 

A wanderer back has brought. 

Cast the garb of your selfishness off, 

All ye who have won in life. 
And help the weary and grieving ones 

Whose days with trouble are rife. 
'Twill make your own lives happier far, 

And will cause this world of ours 
To bud and blossom as Eden did, 

With the first created flowers. 



138 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

WOMAN 

FAIREST of God's handiwork, 
First in Eden placed, 
Many Edens has she since 

Beautifully graced. 
Home without her is not home, 

All is incomplete, 
If we fail to hear her voice. 
Patter of her feet. 

Some say she is changeable 

And capricious too, 
And must either love or hate, 

No medium e'er knew ; 
Say that few disputes occur, 

Save those caused by her. 
And that marriages for love 

Seldom now occur. 

That she finds it easier 

To do ill than good, 
And that out of fashion's gone 

Modern motherhood ; 
That she gossips, prates and talks. 

Tearing friends asunder, 
Should you find a woman dumb, 

It would be a wonder. 

But we don't admit a word 

Of this cruel charge ; 
Woman's charming, witty, sweet, 

And her heart is large. 
Some old crusty bachelor 

Thus may go off snarling. 
For he never had a sweet 

Loving little darlinsf. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 139 

She has sat on thrones of state, 

Governed mighty lands ; 
She has helped humanity 

With her willing hands. 
She has raised the standard high 

Of morality, 
And in all that's best and good 

Woman's work we see. 



DON'T BORROW, DON'T LEND. 

WOULD you keep your money, and keep your friend, 
Never try to borrow, refuse to lend; 
Though some exceptions at times may be made. 
You'll come out best if this rule is obeyed. 

Refusal to lend may a friendship strain. 
Time as a healer, renews it ag'ain. 
Failure to pay back a loan always tends 
To sever reg^ard of intimate friends. 

Better to spend only what we have earned 
Than borrow, and after by friends be spurned. 
If for some reason we fail to repay, 
Though we intend to at some future day. 

Don't borrow, don't lend, earn all that you spend, 
Thus keep your money and also your friend. 
Sacrifice neither but follow this rule, 
You'll fine in the end you're far from a fool. 



140 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

HIS AUTO 

HE purchased an "auto," his friends all thought 
He'd grown wealthy, an "auto" to own. 
Facts were, the money with which it was bought 
Was secured by obtaining a loan. 

He purchased an "auto" and put on "airs," 
As all over the country he'd roam ; 

But it brought him trouble and grief and cares, 
For to get it he mortgaged his home. 

He purchased an "auto" and ran in debt 
To the butcher and grocery man, too, 

The baker dunned him whenever they met. 
And most everyone threatened to sue. 

The neighbors all smiled at his foolish pride. 
While the gossips continued to talk ; 

At last he came in his mind to decide 

In the future he'd "trolley" or "walk." 



iMISTAKE 

HE courted a maid as fair and sweet 
As apple blossoms in ]\Iay ; 
Her smile was bright as the sunbeams, which 
O'er the rippling wavelets play. 

Her voice was musical in its tone. 

Her manner seemed, oh. so mild ; 

A\'hile every action and look bespoke 
The innocence of a child. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 141 

They married, e'er scare a month had passed, 

He found he'd Httle to say ; 
His wife from a girl had seemed to change 

To one who must have her way. 

E'en in the very minutest things 

Her will must be law, she said; 
Though he provided for every need, 

She claimed that she must be head. 

Others have made the mistake she made, 

She lost his love and esteem, 
And what might have been a happy life 

Proved naught but a troubled dream. 



COURAGE 

HE always smiled sweetest when saddest at heart, 
He hid from the world all his sorrow; 
Day in and day out he just acted his part, 

But looked for a brighter to-morrow. 
Though gloomy the prospect he never lost hope, 

His faith never fell below Zero ; 
His courage thus helped him with trouble to cope. 
Till he won like a conqu'ring Hero. 

And now he is wealthy, he owes his success 

To grit and the pluck that was in him ; 
He believed in himself, determined to press 

Straight ahead, though times were "agin" him. 
And life to him now is of roseate hue. 

But men never knew of his trouble; 
He smiles as he thinks of the days that were blue, 

Yet vanished at last like a bubble. 



142 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

OBSEQUIOUS 

A CONDESCENDING obsequious man, 
Submissive to will of another, 
Without himself having some aim or plan 

Is a very weak minded brother; 
And yet, how often men bow and men cringe 

In trying to gain some position. 
Turn any way, like a swivel back hinge, 
To aid and improve their condition. 

Slaves are compliant to other men's will, 

But freemen should be independent ; 
Pride in their manhood should baser thoughts kill. 

Ambition be ever ascendant. 
One with ability never should yield 

To a man without right to control ; 
Resolve that the strength within you you'll wield, 

And not foolishly barter your soul. 



HONOR 

IF you've entered in an agreement 
That was clearly and fairly made, 
Then don't back out on technical grounds, 

'Til the last cent's honestly paid. 
With all others be just as honest 

As you want them to be with you ; 
Don't try to back out, wriggle or squirm, 
But to self and honor be true. 

If you've made a mistake, stand by it. 

As you expect others to do ; 
In the long run you will surely find 

"Twas the wisest course to pursue. 
Retain every inch of your manhood, 

Regardless of what it may cost ; 
When your whole life is averaged up, 

You will find that nothing's been lost. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 143 

HONESTY 

How few men are honest for honesty's sake, 
How many an unfair advantage will take, 
And are only made honest by law, 
Or keep so because it just pays them ; in fact, 
If not, they most quickly would otherwise act, 
If the slightest advantage they saw. 

They sacrifice friendship and family ties, 
Resort to vile trickery, basest of lies 

To take from you what's justly your own. 
The glitter of gold seems to blind every sense, 
To rob you they'll stoop to most any pretence, 

And commit every crime that is known. 

'Tis best to be honest for honesty's sake, 
And never an unfair advantage to take, 

All regardless of what it may yield. 
'Twill bring the most comfort to do what is right. 
By keeping the golden rule ever in sight 

And to use it as "buckler and shield." 



BE CONTENT 

IS the weather hot? Don't worry. 
Is the weather cold? Don't fret. 
Don't keep up a constant worry, 
But such little things forget. 

Just be calm and even minded 

With whatever comes or goes, 

To the faults of friends be blinded, 
And compassionate to foes. 



144 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

Fret and worry's simple madness 
That can only shorten life ; 

They deprive the heart of gladness, 

And with gloomy thoughts are rife. 

They intensify each trouble, 

Never lighten aught of care, 

Make the weight of grief just double, 
And your pain more hard to bear. 

Do your best, then be contented. 

Keep a cheerful heart and sweet, 

And your life like roses scented. 
Will bless every one you meet. 



TO MISS BESSIE PORTER, ON HER WEDDING DAY 

WHEN I first saw you, Bess, 
In your short pretty dress, 
And with girlhood's bright smile on your face, 
I was charmed by your eyes. 
Which like stars in the skies. 

Left an impress that naught can efface. 

Now your wedding day's here, 
I can say most sincere 

That your "Hubby" will get a rare prize ; 
For he wins a sweet "lass" 
Whom no maid can surpass. 

And is bound by Love's tenderest ties. 

May your future be bright 
And your heart remain light. 

As together you sail o'er life's sea; 
And tho' storms may arise. 
May no tears dim your eyes, 

'Tis the wish of your friend, Mr. T. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 145 



HERE'S A HEALTH 

HERE'S a health to "Col. Fox," 
And a toast to "Mrs. Colonel," 
Like the everlasting rocks 

May our friendship prove eternal. 

"Rollins," "Tolkamp," "Treadwell," "Haddon," 
"Messiter," our hearts to gladden, 
May this seventh of September 
Be a day we'll all remember. 



Many times we have met round a table, 

But never a table like this, 
Here to score every time we are able, 

On the other we frequently miss. 
At this table each one is a winner, 

At the other we oft' miss a cue. 
So hurrah for this glorious dinner. 

And thanks, "Mrs. Colonel," to you. 

Read at the dinner table 

At " The Cedars," 
Sept. 7th. 1907. 



146 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

ENVY 

IF by dint of energy, brains or skill 
You win in this world of ours, 
And if others by lack of force or will 

Have idled away the hours, 
You will find they will grumble and scoff and jeer, 

And assail you on every side; 
But pay no attention, and do not fear — 
Just toss all their "venom" aside. 

Some men, like snakes, can do nothing but "hiss;" 

Trample them under your feet. 
Like "Judas," they often betray with a kiss. 

Are ready to lie or cheat ; 
Their thoughts never rise above selfish desire, 

They always decry and deride ; 
Nothing escapes their contemptible ire — 

Just toss all their "venom" aside. 

Such men are a curse wherever they be ; 

Nothing can change their "chagrin ;" 
If others succeed, no merit they see. 

But revel in "filth" and "sin." 
They're beneath the contempt of all mankind. 

And no one will mourn when they've died ; 
Never in life any good could they find — 

Just toss all their "venom" aside. 



HELPS 



SOME tiny drops of water 
From o'erhanging clouds came down, 
They grew into a shower 

And refreshed the sultry town. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 147 

A kindly word was spoken 

To a troubled soul one day, 
And sorrow was forgotten 

And the teardrop brushed away. 

A smile lit up the features 

Of a friend who talked with friend, 
Soon both were laughing merrily 

With all trouble at an end. 

For cheerfulness is catching. 

Sunny smiles disperse all gloom. 
While sympathy's a flower 

That exhales a rare perfume. 



FOR MY COUSIN LIBBIE'S ALBUM 

THAT the choicest gifts of Heaven, 
Strewn by angel hands with care, 
May surround thy pleasant pathway 

With their beauty ever fair; 
That the wishes, kind and cheerful, 

Of kind friends may e'er be thine, 
And the magic wand of friendship 

May forever 'round thee twine; 
That thy life henceforth, as ever. 

May be joy unmixed with pain, 
While of all the fairest graces 

Thou, as queen, shalt lead the train; 
That at last when time shall vanish. 

And all earthly things decay, 
Thou may'st share the life eternal 

In the realms of endless day. 
Is the wish that's fondly cherished. 

With a hope it may be thus, 
By the one who calls you cousin. 

Though you often call him "Gus." 



148 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



NIGHT 

FAR over the western mountain's crest 
The golden orb is seeking its rest; 
Slowly is ebbing the tide of light 
As twilight ushers beautiful night. 
Its sable arch with sapphire inlaid 
Glows with a beauty no age can fade. 
Stealthily creeping over the world, 
Night comes, its banner of stars unfurled. 
Its jewelled crown is a grander sight 
Than mid-day sun with its golden light; 
While the bright orbed Moon majestic sails. 
Reflecting its light o'er hills and dales, 
Its silv'ry mantle with darkness wars 
As it blends its light with glist'ning stars. 
Oh, jewelled night, ye a language speak, 
Of myriad worlds for which we seek. 
And we see the twinkling glinting ray 
"Of stars we never can see by day;" 
Ye weave a curtain of quiet rest 
While slumber comes as a welcome guest ; 
Thy mantle covers the rich and poor 
And brings repose that is sweet and sure. 
Thou givest us strength and health and life, 
Vigor to win in the world's great strife; 
When thy waning hours have passed away 
We rise, refreshed in the new-born day. 
New hope, fresh courage and hearts made light 
By needed rest through a peaceful night. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 149 



COLUMBIA 

** T T EART of the world," Columbia, pride of the Nations, thou, 

ii The diadem of man's best hopes sits on thy noble brow. 
No kingly crown thou wearest, and no sceptre's in thy hand, 
The royalty of manhood is the power that rules thy land. 

Land of the world's best intellect, land of the world's best thought, 
Land where fair freedom's cause was won and freedom's battles 

fought. 
Land where the various races commingle and agree, 
Land which welcomes and protects from the old world's tyranny. 

Land where languid nature yields to man's imperious sway, 
Where commerce laden rivers at his feet their trophies lay. 
Where mineral wealth aboundeth, where prairies vast and wide 
Yield grain enough if need be, the whole v*^orld to provide. 

Land of southern breezes and of snow capped mountains high. 
Landscapes bathed in beauty rare, with which naught on earth 

can vie. 
A land that spans a continent from "Maine" to "Golden Gate," 
While linked in bonds of brotherhood is each proud sov'reign 

state. 

Thy "starry f^ag" floats o'er a land by Heaven's bounty blest, 
Equality to each and all is blazoned on thy crest, 
Thou art the "Promised Land of Hope," the haven of the free. 
Proud foremost nation of the earth, bulwark of Liberty. 



RELIGIOUS RHYMES 



GOD 

'nniS God's hand upheaves the billows, 

1 The sky His presence shares, 
And he maketh soft the pillows 

When heads are bowed with cares. 
His voice is in the roaring wind, 

And in the zephyr low; 
His presence in the dawn we find, 
And in the evening's glow. 

Nature reveals Him everywhere, 

The universe around 
Is subject to His will and care, 

And by His fiat bound. 
His essence Love and Wisdom are, 

He satisfies the soul ; 
And naught of fear or doubt can mar, 

Though waves of trouble roll. 

Expressive silence shows us God. 

No last, no first. He knows. 
He sometimes sends the chast'ning rod, 

And heavy seem the blows. 
But goodness marks His every act, 

Though oft' we fail to see. 
While faith is blind to real fact 

Of stern necessity. 



154 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

UNCLE REUBEN'S BIBLE 

OLD Uncle Reuben had read the Book, 
Over and over again; 
Its precepts he made his rule of life, 
Their meaning to him was plain. 
It was good enough, the old man said. 

To live and to die by, too; 
He had no sympathy with the fads 
And the doctrines that were new. 

He believed each word the book contained. 

From Moses to good St. John, 
While to the faith of his early life, 

The good old man held on. 
It gave him comfort, it gave him hope. 

It smoothed each trouble and care. 
For he'd tried for three score years and ten 

His life by its words to square. 

It mattered little what others thought. 

It was good enough for him ; 
Its promises filled the old man's heart 

With happiness to the brim. 
The Ten Commandments and Golden Rule 

Together comprised his creed. 
The precepts within the good old Book 

Supplied his every need. 

He'd heard it read by the firelight glow 

In his early childhood days. 
Father and mother, long passed away. 

Had joyfully sung its praise. 
It had been his guide in older years. 

It was now his staff in age ; 
And the light of heaven to him appeared 

To shine from each well worn page. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 155 

And nothing could shake his simple faith, 

The good old Bible, he said, 
Unchanged in word was. his guide through life, 

And by it he would be led. 
And after all is it not as well 

For the old man's peace of soul. 
To take the good old Book as it is 

And accept it as a whole. 



THE HAVEN OF REST 

THERE'S a haven of rest, my brother, 
And 'twill come to us all some day. 
When life's sorrows and cares and troubles 

Like "the mists shall have rolled away." 
E'en now, we at times can catch glimpses, 
And our visions with beauty are drest. 
They fill us with rapture while waiting 
To enter that Haven of Rest. 

The gathering years bring us nearer, 

The time's rolling rapidly on, 
The months and the days growing shorter 

When trial and toil will be done. 
For many life's sun is fast sinking 

'Neath purple rimmed clouds of the west. 
But through them the glory is streaming, 

That comes from The Haven of Rest. 

At times life is happy and joyful, 

But grief always comes with the years; 
There's no sky that's always unclouded, 

And no eye but sometimes sheds tears. 
There are trials, we cannot escape them. 

And troubles our courage to test; 
How welcome to all when life's ended 

Will be the sweet Haven of Rest. 



156 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



THE PILLOW OF CLOUD AND FIRE 

THOUGH the future before me is hid from my eyes, 
Though my pathway at times has been rough, 
Though the days and the years have brought with them surprise, 
And I've had of Hfe's griefs full enough. 
And, though at times, there's no ray, 
Brightening up life's lone way. 
Still all matters will yet come out right. 
If I follow 
"The Pillar of Cloud by day." 
"The Pillar of Fire by night." 

Through the "Wilderness waste" in the days now gone by. 

The Hosts of old "Israel" were led, 
And the "Manna" mysteriously came from the sky. 
While the hungry were nourished and fed. 
And though they knew not the way, 
Yet, still it came strange to say, 
And sustained them while making their flight, 
For they followed 
"The Pillar of Cloud by day." 
"The Pillar of Fire by night." 

So I will follow "The Pillar of Cloud by day," 

Also "The Pillar of Fire by night," 
And thus guided. I surely cannot go astray, 
Or be led from the pathway of right. 
And though the sky may be gray. 
Still. I shall not lose my way, 
For the end of my journey's in sight. 
While i follow 
"The Pillar of Cloud by day," 
"The Pillar of Fire by night." 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 157 

CHRISTMAS 

NINETEEN hundred years have fled 
Since the infant Saviour's head, 
Pillowed, was in manger bed. 

Nineteen hundred years gone by 
Since beneath the midnight sky 
Echoed shepherds' joyous cry. 

O'er Judea's fertile plain 
Came a joyous glad refrain. 
Angel voices sang the strain. 

Light illumed the darkness, when 
Shepherds listened, heard again, 
"Peace on earth, good will to men." 

Types and shadows now had flown, 
Hopes through all the ages grown. 
Centered were in Christ alone. 

Bethlehem's babe though lowly born, 
Clad in robes by humblest worn. 
Ushered in a glorious morn. 

Nineteen hundred years have fled, 

Christianity has spread 

O'er the earth, with Christ its head. 

Darkness yieldeth to the light 
"Might" has given way to "Right." 
Rosy dawn succeeds the night. 

Giant wrongs have given way. 
Justice now maintains its sway, 
And the world is free to-day. 



158 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

Crimes that had for ages stood, 
Have been wiped away in blood, 
And mankind's a brotherhood. 

Chains once forged in tyranny 
Have been broke and captives free, 
Bless a true Christianity. 

Hearts in superstitions thrall 
Listen to the Gospel's call, 
Bless the Lamb who died for all. 

Loud Hosannas, let us sing, 

And our hearts best offerings bring, 

Bethlehem's manger held our King. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 159 

THE BEAUTIFUL REST OF GOD 

DOES the burden of toil seem heavy? 
Does Hfe seem a weary road? 
Is your aching form bending under 

The hard and unequal load? 
Take courage, ye faint-hearted toiler, 
Look up from the earthly sod, 
For the "Garden of Life" awaits you, 
In "the beautiful rest of God." 

Through toil is the pathway to triumph. 

And pain comes e'er vict'ry's won ; 
And full many a hard fought struggle 

Will come ere your race is run. 
But Hope, as a brighter evangel, 

And feet with the Gospel shod. 
Will bring you rejoicing in triumph. 

To "the beautiful rest of God." 

Though the wilderness way was stony, 

And hot was the burning sand. 
Yet it guided God's chosen people 

At last to the "promised land." 
Though trouble and care may perplex you, 

'Tis the way all Saints have trod; 
But through shadow and gloom it leads you. 

To "the beautiful rest of God." 

There, there, are the dear ones who've left us, 

They watch as we onward go; 
They are decked with a crown immortal. 

And their robes are white as snow. 
Let us press right onward, tho' often. 

It is 'neath some chast'ning rod, 
For we know that each day brings nearer, 

To "the beautiful rest of God." 



160 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

There are faltering steps about us, 

And heads that are silvered o'er, 
And hearts that e'en now feel the throbbing 

Of the bliss of yonder shore. 
Only a few more days of waiting, 

Though feet may wearily plod; 
And the angels shall bid them welcome, 

To "the beautiful rest of God." 

Oh, the beautiful rest of Heaven , 

Thy King on His "Great White Throne," 
To the country of joy and beauty 

Shall welcome His loved and own. 
And he knows when we're tired and weary, 

His feet our wilderness trod. 
Now He's gone to prepare our mansions, 

In "the beautiful rest of God." 



Written at Sea on the Steamer "Werra," 
Sunday. April 28th. 1889. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 161 

METHODIST HYMNS 
Read at a Sabbath Evening Service of Song 

FROM Every Stormy Wind That Blows," "Give To the 
Winds Thy Fears," 
Has brought the balm of Gilead and dried the mourners' tears. 

"Guide Me, Oh, Tho' Great Jehovah," hope and strength are here, 
And while singing it there fleeth all of doubt and fear. 

"How Firm a Foundation, ye Saints of the Lord," 

We have proved this, dear friends, as we leaned on His word. 

"How happy every child of grace who knows his sins forgiven," 
How many in this audience have now a hope of Heaven? 

"How tedious and tasteless the hours when Jesus no longer I see," 
Has doubt or unfaithfulness ever, dear friends, hid the face 
of the Saviour from thee? 

"I would not live alway," we can readily see 
It is happier far with the Saviour to be. 

"Jesus Lover of my Soul," never yet have we 

Sung it but it filled our hearts with heaven's ecstacy. 

"Just as I am without one plea," 
Meets needs of all humanity. 

"Love divine, all love excelling." 

"Wesley," when he wrote this hymn, felt the Lord's indwelling. 

"Must Jesus bear the cross alone," "My faith looks up to Thee," 
Has strengthened many a heart and brought the final victory. 



163 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

"Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing," 
"Of Him who did salvation bring," 
"Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear," 
Three hymns that brings the blessing near. 

"A charge to keep I have," "A God to glorify," 
Seem just as solemn and as true as passing years go by. 

"Alas and did by Saviour bleed and did my Sovereign die," 
Combines momentous truths, dear friend, to bless both you and I. 

"All hail the Power of Jesus name" is sung by one and all. 
Gladly the diadem we'd bring and "Crown Him Lord of all." 

"Am I a soldier of the Cross," we sing it still the same 

As in the olden days, "Nor fear nor blush to speak His name." 

"Amazing grace how sweet the sound," 'tis sweet as when at first 
The glory of conversion across our being burst. 

"Awake my Soul, stretch every nerve and press with vigor on," 
Inspires us with new zeal to see each day some victory won. 

"Be it my only wisdom here." 

"Blest be the tie that binds," 
In each of these the Christian heart 

A wealth of comfort finds. 

"Blow ye the trumpet, blow," has wakened many a soul, 
"By cool Siloam shady rill," we've heard the waters roll. 

"Children of the Heavenly King." 

"Rock of Ages, cleft," 
Sad indeed would be our loss 

Of these songs bereft. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 163 

"Come thou fount of every blessing," singing this we've felt 
That the very God of Heaven in our bosoms dwelt. 

"Come ye sinners, poor and needy," oft' has this appeal 
Caused the poor repentant sinner, on his knees to kneel. 
"Come ye that Love the Lord," the heart has often cheered, 
And to each other Christian hearts more fond and close endeared. 

"Far from my thought vain world begone," 

Has helped us all as worshippers to leave the world alone. 

"Forever here my rest shall be," 
And "Forever with the Lord," 

Has helped to fix within our hearts. 
The precepts of His word. 

And dear "Old Hundred" vaulted aisle. 

And many an old cathedral pile. 

And city's church with stately choir, 

And village chapels modest spire, 

Has echoed with this cheering song. 

To all the world its strains belong. 

'Twas sung by grandsires, long ago, 

Both young and old its m.usic know ; 

Sinner and saint in chorus sweet. 

The words of this dear song repeat. 

Its melody shall onward roll 

To cheer the heart and bless the Soul. 

From lips of unborn millions flow, 

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow." 



INSURANCE RHYMES 



Rhymes written during the period I acted as Representative 
of The Equitable Life Assurance Society, and read on the oc- 
casions of various Banquets, Agency Meetings, etc. 



INSURANCE 

HE never would take Insurance, 
He said he'd "insure himself;" 
He thought long years would pass e'er he 

Would be laid upon the shelf. 
But one day "Pneumonia" caught him, 

And, although the doctors tried 
In most every way to save him, 

In just three short weeks he died. . 

He never would take Insurance 

Of "Life" or "Accident" kind; 
One day while on the street the wind 

Raised the dust that made him blind. 
An automobile came dashing, 

And swift as the lightning sped, 
Before he could sense the danger 

It struck him — the poor man's dead. 

He never would take Insurance 

On the new "Endowment Plan ;" 
Could save his money himself, he said, 

But strange, he never began. 
He bought some shares in a "Western mine," 

'Twas boomed by some mining "bloke;" 
Like the rest of the mining "fools," 

It left the fellow "dead broke." 

Did not believe in Insurance, 

Put his small savings in Bank, 
And called the fellow who didn't, 

An unmistakable "crank." 
He died a year or two after. 

The cash his wife might have had 
Was lost, the widow was homeless. 

The neighbors said " 'twas too bad." 



168 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

He never would take Insurance, 

Whenever he thought he'd try, 
His wife so strongly objected, 

And said if he did he'd die. 
So against his better judgment 

He warded the "agent off," 
Till now he can't get Insurance, 

He has a consumptive cough. 

He never would take Insurance, 

Leave gold for others to spend. 
He cared not for wife or children, 

What came if his life should end. 
He said he had a rich father 

Who'd leave him well off when he died; 
But when his "Pop's" will was opened. 

He'd failed for him to provide. 

He never would take Insurance, 

He'd said the Company'd fail ; 
We said his reason was faulty. 

His argument old and stale. 
We showed him how banks had "busted" 

By scores all over the land. 
While well conducted Insurance 

Would firm as adamant stand. 

It's stood the test of the "Panics," 

That have shaken the "marts of trade," 
Through all upheavals of Finance 

More firmly its base was laid. 
'Twill stand the test of the ages. 

Its fabric built to endure. 
Will last, for founded on Justice, 

It must be and is secure. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 169 

"RECKON WE'LL GIT THAR YET." 

A LITTLE behind, do you say that we are," 
"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
We have got our eyes fixed on a "shining star," 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
W^e're not made of stuff that gives up in a day, 
We're into this business to stick and to stay, 
We'll win, you can bet, in some "old fashioned way," 
"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 

We've "Sherman" in "Westchester," somewhere near "Rye," 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
And "Budd" you can see has got blood in his eye, 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
"Friend Burnham" is pumping the Navy Yard dry, 
And "Brother James Gray" says "he'll conquer or die," 
While the "Whitbecks" rely on "sweet bye and bye," 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 

There's "Gans" with his "Hessians" in Williamsburgh town, 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
And "Morgan" has some way his "troubles to drown," 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
Draper "swears he'll win by his "cow-boy rimmed hat," 
While "Bradner," our "Chesterfield," smiles and stands pat. 
They're sure of the "juice" while they're frying the fat, 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 

The Doctors, "God bless them," "Frost," "Smith" and Doc "Fox,' 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
They oft' let us out of a very tight box, 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
"Pell" is a peach, and we'd all mourn his loss. 
We hope the Good Lord will long spare "Doctor Bross," 
When he goes, may it be by "Way of the Cross," 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 



170 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

There's eight months ahead still of 1-9-0-4, 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
Wake up, let each month beat the one gone before, 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
Let's all make a record we never have made, 
And throw all past years clearly into the shade, 
So brighten your wits like a keen razor blade, 

"And I reckon we'll git thar yet." 

"McKinny," "AlcCormick" and "Bridgeman" and "Camp," 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
The last new recruits of the very best stamp, 

"Reckon we'll git thar yet." 
And "Charles Jerome Edwards," we beg to say here, 
Just keep adding "new men" the rest of this year," 
And 'twill not in any way seem very queer 

"To reckon we'll git thar yet." 



WORKER— SHIRKER 

A WORKER or a shirker, which are you? 
Just doing only half that you might do. 
Or are you striving mightily to win? 
If not, it's time and high time to begin. 

Just ask yourself this question here and now. 
Am I doing the best that I know how, 
Developing what's in me as I should, 
And doing now and have done all I could? 

If doing less, you make a sad mistake ; 

The men who win are those who're wide awake. 

Be a worker in the ranks, forge ahead, 

And never cease your eflForts till you're dead. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 171 

BANQUET RHYME 

HAVE you laid your plans for business? 
Have you ploughed the willing soil ? 
Are you ready for the harvest 

As reward for earnest toil ? 
Never was there brighter promise 
Of success for those who try, 
Than the year just now commencing, 

For "the clouds have all rolled by." 

Dark and murky hung they o'er us 

In the days of nineteen-five ; 
And there seemed so much to thwart us, 

Howe'er strenuously we'd strive. 
But the day at last is beaming 

With a glory, radiant sky, 
And each heart should share the gladness, 

For "The clouds have all rolled by." 

Through the "furnace fire" of trial 

And of envy's fiercest darts, 
Our "Society" has risen 

Clean and pure, in all its parts ; 
And a future grand awaits us 

If we will but only try — 
Each and all — to do his duty, 

For "the clouds have all rolled by." 

Let us rise to the occasion, 

Cast all lethargy aside, 
And determine we will conquer 

Whatsoever may betide. 
And, as sure as fate, we'll triumph. 

If most earnestly we'll try, 
For all difficulty vanished, 

When "The clouds had all rolled by." 

Read at an Agency Banquet, at Hotel Astor 
New York, Jan. 10, 1906 



172 life thoughts in rhyme 

Read at a Meeting of the Brooklyn Agency, April, 1909. 

C. J. E. 

HE'S pushing forward business like the "d 1," 
Is courteous with it all and always civil, 
Asking every agent to do his level best. 
And he's personally working like the rest. 
He, himself, has placed a "hundred thousand" plump, 
And the record of the month is seen to jump, 
For it seems that everybody's on the move, 
And the car of progress slides in well oiled groove. 

Morgan's working like a beaver night and day, 
Arthur Burnham says the tide has turned his way, 
While the Deacon's caught the fever like the rest, 
And friend Abbott's plunging in to do his best. 
Charlie Whitbeck scents the triumph just at hand, 
Handsome Bartow's got some cases he will land, 
Boiling's struggling hard, sees daylight just ahead, 
And the Dean, though far from active, is not dead. 
Edgar says henceforth he'll "kalkerlate a heap," 
Cans is ploughing Williamsburg, leaving furrows deep. 

In the Bronx, IMcElligott, Budd and all the rest 
Are panting with exertion, all will do their best. 
Likewise the new agents, whose names I do not know, 
Are stripping for the fight, and record grand will show. 
Triumph's in the air. Boys, we breathe it everywhere. 
The lucre's rolling in, Boys, each shall have his share. 
With it comes the glory that comes to those who win. 
Dark days now are past. Boys, the tide is rolling in. 
"Chuck" the fuel in. Boys, of grit and work and will, 
Just keep the steam a-rising higher, higher, still ; 
Run ahead of slower craft, till at last you see 
Blazoned on your banners, glorious victory. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 173 

Read at a Meeting of the C. J. Edwards' Combined Agencies, 
HELD at 165 Broadway, New York, May 10, 1909 

OVER a million ahead, "great Scot," 
And the year but four months old; 
What will it be when December ends 
And '09 is stark and cold. 

Over a million ahead, "great Scot," 

Somebody has worked, you bet, 
And several times somebody too, 

How much of it did you get? 

Over a million ahead, "great Scot," 

The Manager says that we 
Should double or treble this amount 

By time of the Jubilee. 

Over a million ahead, "great Scot," 

We have started fair and well ; 
Let's put on the steam and drive ahead, 

Let idleness go to "East Africa." 

Over a million ahead, "great Scot," 

What can't we do when we try. 
Let's burn the bridges behind us, and 

Write up the figures "sky high." 

Paul Morton's away, but Wilson's here. 

He's watching us day by day; 
He tells us wonders we may achieve 

li we'll work, work, work, not play. 

So let us screw up our courage, boys. 

And beat the million twice o'er ; 
And then when "Jubilee Dav" shall come 

We'll "screech," and "holler," and "roar." 



174 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

READ AT AN AGENCY MEETING 

HURRAH for the man of courage, 
Hurrah for the Man of Grit, 
Who cares not for Luck but relies on Pluck, 

Persistently sticks to it. 
Hurrah for the man who's smiling 

When others are wrapt in gloom, 
And whose Hope is bright through the thickest fight, 
Won't yield till the "crack of doom." 

Hurrah for the man whose promise 

Is good as the "minted gold," 
Who works with a vim that nothing can dim, 

And never feels tired or old. 
Hurrah for the man of effort 

Whom nothing can daunt or chill, 
Who with laudable pride casts doubts aside, 

Wins by the force of his will. 

Hurrah for the men among us 

W'ho've won though the "odds" seemed great. 
Who all through the fight have triumphed in spite 

Of adverse workings of Fate. 
Hurrah for the faith that was in them, 

Through all the dark days now gone. 
Who struggled along with a smile and a song. 

Till now they've finally won. 

What of the future before us. 

The past with its gloom has fled, 
The future's bright, will you enter the fight. 

Resolved to come out ahead? 
Hurrah for the men among us 

Who're ready to say we'll try. 
Who'll buckle right in determined to win 

And swear they'll conquer or die. 



life thoughts in rhyme 175 

Delivered at a Dinner of the Brooklyn Agency, 
Saturday, April 14, 1906 

IF you were the "Leader" and Edwards a "sub," 
I think you'd persistently into him rub 
The fact that he's doing but half he could do, 
And this is the truth, as applied now to you. 

Days come and days go, and you seem standing still, 
While others about you just work with a will, 
You are fully as able as they are to win, 
Why not then resolve a new start to begin. 

No mercantile firm would employ you a day 
If you worked in this slow and half-hearted way; 
You'd get the "grand bounce" and be out on the street. 
With old worn out clothing and nothing to eat. 

There's not a man present but could if he would. 
Just double his business, and, really, he should; 
First in his own interest, and then again, 
'Tis duty we owe to the Office, that's plain. 

For every equipment is at our command. 
The Company'll back us and "Edwards" will stand 
Behind us with money and ready advice, 
We're not asked to make e'en the least sacrifice. 
We're simply expected to do all we can, 
Not half, of what ought to be done by each man ; 
And if we'll but do it, our future is made. 
So put on a bold front and be not dismayed. 

Don't come with excuses, but bring in the "apps," 
If "Doctor" turns some down, with reason, perhaps. 
Some others will pass without any chances, 
The "net" will suffice without weekly advances ; 
Thus your renewals will yearly grow greater. 
Of your own fortune you'll be the creator. 



176 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

Naught drops in the lap of the agent who waits. 
Just take as your Bible the "Blue Book" of rates; 
Preach the Gospel of Thrift from texts you'll find there, 
And lift from each home the dark burden of care. 

You can do this and more if only you'll try, 
Just put forth the effort, the triumph is nigh ; 
Stick to it, by noble ambition be led, 
And bury the Past in the grave of the dead. 



NOVEMBER 1st, 1906 

ONLY two months of nineteen-six, 
The last ten gone forever; 
Only two months the "slate" to fix 

By resolute endeavor. 
Only two months, but time enough 

To gather harvests golden ; 
You can, if made of "kind of stuff," 
You showed in good days olden. 
********** 

Only two months, wake up from sleep, 
Only two months in which to reap 
The waiting harvest of the year, 
Yours to gather, and yours to cheer. 
Don't let the precious time slip by, 
Victory's yours if you'll only try; 
But if you fail, 'tis "gospel true," 
The only cause lies "right in you." 



life thoughts in rhyme 177 

Read at an Agency Meeting, April, 1909 

SAYS the Manager to the Boys, says he, 
I'll tell you what it is, 
I want you all to "tumble" right in 

And make this six months "sizz," 
For he thinks with him we must agree 
To work for a bigger "biz.'' 

Says the Manager to the Boys, says he, 

"Just calkerlate a heap," 
And plan your work on larger lines 

And forward take a leap, 
You must scatter the seed both far and wide 

If you a crop would reap. 

Says the Manager to the Boys, says he, 

When everything is said, 
It's your own effort must bring results, 

Be a leader, don't be led. 
Life is a battle, don't give up 

Till you rest with the silent dead. 

Says the Manager to the Boys, says he. 

You're the smartest crowd I've met. 
And if you'll hustle by day and night 

The business you will get ; 
That you'll win in the five months just ahead, 

A thousand "plunks," I'll bet. 

Says the Manager to the Boys, says he, 

The President's watching you. 
And "Genial George" expects great things 

From the work that you will do ; 
But should you fail behind, "great Scott," 

Won't the Manager feel "blue." 



178 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



Says the Manager to the Boys, says he, 

I'll aid you in every way, 
Just bring the checks for landed "biz" 

And you'll get mine the same day ; 
And I'll swear by the "Prophet's great white beard" 

You'll be rich before you're gray. 

Says the Manager to the Boys, says he, 

The Company's doing fine. 
The Dividends^ larger grow each year. 

And its assets, a golden mine, 
Each policyholder will get his share. 

For he signed on the "dotted line." 

Says the Manager to the Boys, says he, 

Nothing will please me more, 
If you'll pile a mountain of business up 

That will into the millions soar, 
For Morton and Wilson both expect 

We'll do better than ever before. 

Says the Manager to the Boys, says he, 
"Brush the cobwebs from your brain," 

That you're made of the stuff that wins success. 
To my mind is clear and plain. 

Put forth the effort, there's naught to lose, 
And there's everything to gain. 

Says the Manager to the Boys, says he. 

The darkest days are past. 
Things will be better from this time on, 

And they're growing better fast ; 
Laws will be changed that now are crude. 

And improvement will be vast. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 179 

Says the Boys to the Manager, here and now, 

We'll do it, "Edwards," or bust. 
And "Morton" and "Wilson" from this time on 

Will see how we'll hustle and dust ; 
And then any time you want anything done. 

You'll know that it's us you can trust. 



Delivered at an Agency Dinner, May 28, 1907. 

DO not brag or be too boastful in speaking of your "biz,' 
It's the actual results that count, not the froth and "fizz.' 
Let the monthly records show your name in printed letters, 
Proving that with others you're among the business getters. 
The New State Standard policies are models in their way. 
And any man of action ought to land one every day; 
At least, take applications counting up six every week. 
And if you do, you'll surely gain the goal for which you seek. 
With Morton as our captain and Geo. Wilson by his side, 
And Chas. Jerome to aid us, all defeat should be defied ; 
Let's make the Brooklyn Agency the largest and the best 
In amount and kind of business, the Leader of the rest. 
There are seven months before us ere 3'et the year is done, 
'Twill be highest satisfaction if in the end we've won; 
'Twill bring lucre to our pockets, bring glory to our name. 
And write the Brooklyn Agency high on the "scroll of Fame." 
Let the dead Past be forgot, let the "Star of Hope" ahead 
Be the beacon bright of promise, by which we'll all be led; 
Let's put forth every effort, consecrate each hour and day 
To downright earnest action in most energetic way. 
Let Paul Morton and Geo. Wilson and Chas. J. Edwards see 
That their most determined workers are in this Agency; 
If so, the ripening harvest we will gather day by day, 
And all thank God for new resolves this Twenty-eighth of May. 



180 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



Delivered at an Agency Banquet, September, 1907 

LET us take the "situation" as we find it. What's the use 
J Of our butting 'gainst a "stone wall," and just spitting 
out abuse ;" 
You and I, my fellow agent, better "dig" and "delve" and "work," 
For there's scanty satisfaction if we grumble, kick or shirk. 

We all know reforms are needed in replacing unjust laws, 
That the havoc has been wide spread of which they alone are 

cause ; 
Better let the "Powers" above us do the fighting for the change. 
And fair justice yet will triumph ; if it does not, 'twill be strange. 

In the meantime, keep up courage, do not lose one ounce 

of "grit," 
Calmly meet the situation, force your work and stick to it. 
For the sky is not as cloudy as it was a year ago, 
While each month the prospect brightens as the Ofiice figures 

show. 

Let October be a "corker" and November, better still. 

And the work of this December, with bright Gold our pockets 

fill; 
Then we'll spend a Merry Christmas, hearts and homes be 

full of cheer. 
And we'll wave the "Flag of Triumph" at the dawning of the 

Year. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 181 

THOUGHTS 

IF you'll glance along the serried ranks 
Of all who've fought and won, 
Read the names of conquering heroes 

And all that they have done; 
Scan the brightest minds of science, in 

Philosophy and art, 
Or recall the deeds of those whose acts 

Have stirred the human heart. 
You will find that each and every one 

Has labored hard and long 
With a purpose firm and courage bold, 

And will intensely strong. 
They have laughed at minor obstacles. 

Spurned thought of toil or pain. 
While determined that the goal they sought, 

Eventually they'd gain. 

Though we've made some little progress 

In years now gone before. 
Let us ask ourselves the question, could 

We have done any more? 
Have we worked with supreme effort, or 

Have loitered by the way? 
Have we gathered in the "shekels" bright 

Or thrown our time away? 
Have we failed to gather harvests, that 

Were waiting for our toil? 
Have we failed to plant the seed that grows 

In ever}^ well tilled soil? 
Are we laggards in the vineyard, are 

We shiftless in the field, 
When the hours and days of labor 

A harvest rich would yield? 
If so, let us make a new resolve 

And swear by all that's true. 
That the future just ahead shall see 

The best that we can do. 



182 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 



GREETING 

ALL hail to the men who have triumphed, 
Who have won their right to be here; 
Of whom can be said, they've truly led 
In crowning this Jubilee year. 

All hail to the trio of leaders, 

M. C. Meltzer's wonderful score, 

Megary's and Barber's achievements 
That close to a million soar. 

All hail to the Southern agents. 

And to those from the "Golden Gate," 

From Oregon and the far Northwest, 

From each Middle and Western state. 

And all hail to the "Bay State" legions. 
To the workers from far-oflf Maine, 

From New Hampshire. Vermont, Connecticut, 
Whose escutcheon's without a stain. 

And all hail to Philadelphia. 

And to all from the State of Penn. 
While we doff our hats to E. A. Woods. 

And the Pittsburg Agency men. 

Hail to the kings of the Empire State, 
Long the line of the "Central's trail," 

With laurels gathered from fruitful fields 
Of the beautiful Mohawk vale. 

And hail, all hail to the ladies fair. 
From all over the broad L^. S., 

Unlike us men. they can do their work 
With but half the bother and fuss. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 183 

So here's to their faces wreathed in smiles, 
To their beauty, culture and grace. 

It's not surprising when woman pleads 
She successfully wins her case. 

So welcome to busy old New York 

From wherever your homes may be. 

Your faces cheer, your voices make glad 
This half-century jubilee. 

Read at the Jubilee Convention of the Fiftieth Anniversary of The Equitable Life As 
surance Society. July 27th, 1909, held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York City. 



184 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

FELLOWSHIP 

FELLOWSHIP, what does the word imply, 
Just what does it mean to you or I ? 

It certainly does not mean that you 

Or I should forswear what's right and true, 

Or stoop to mingle with creatures base, 
Though they hold a high and lofty place. 

It does not mean we should mingle free 
With men with whom we cannot agree. 

It doesn't suggest we associate 
With a man we most intensely hate. 

It does not mean we should friendly be 
With a man of debased morality, 

Nor does it mean we must grasp the hand 

Of men on whom crime has stamped its brand, 

Or lower ourselves to aid a man 
Whose life is built on a selfish plan. 

Fellowship means to stand by a friend 
When the "curs of jealously" bark, 

When the hiss of the serpent's hatred's heard 
As it's aimed at a shining mark. 

To crush the viper or draw its fangs 

When 'twould slanderous venom send. 

And thus in a noble manly way 
An honest man's fame defend. 



LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 185 

It means in a most exalted sense, 
Friendship without any false pretence. 

The mingling oft of congenial minds 
And the mutual pleasure each one finds. 

In the interchange of helpful thought 
And aiding each other as we ought. 

And when referring to men, speak well 
Not on their weakness, but virtues dwell. 

If others succeed far more than we, 
Rejoice in their earned prosperity. 

Rather than jealousy, rancor, hate, 
Strive their successes to emulate. 

True fellowship gives as well as takes, 
The circle of friendship wider makes. 

It covers the face with sunny smiles. 
And many a weary hour beguiles. 

The words that it speaks are words of cheer, 
It inspireth Hope, dispelleth Fear. 

Easier makes the battle of life, 

And melts in harmony warring strife. 

True fellowship means a helping hand, 
When a fellow agent his case can't land, 

A willingness on your part to do 

Some friendly act that will help him through. 

If working on a successful plan 
Tip off the fact to some other man. 



186 LIFE THOUGHTS IN RHYME 

'Twill not make less your chance of success, 
And may increase his productiveness. 

Fellowship based on unselfishness 
Is the highest kind of righteousness. 

And when developed on broadest plan 
]\Ieans the hoped for "brotherhood of man." 

In closing this rhyme I fain would say 
Let's make resolves this Jubilee Day, 

To work as we've never w^orked before, 
Eclipsing by far the days of yore. 

And prove to "Morton" and "Wilson," too. 
That every agent is leal and true, 

Can be counted on by day and night 

To work with a will and w'ork with might, 

To make the record show clean and clear 
"One hundred fifty millions" this year. 

Read at the Jubilee Convention of the Fiftieth Anniversary of The Equitable Life As 
surance Society. July 27th. 1909. held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. New York City. 



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